The Air Force Association's Wounded Airman Program to Benefit from 2012 Air Force Cycling Classic

ARLINGTON, Va., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year's Air Force Cycling Classic, June 9-10, will designate the Air Force Association's Wounded Airman Program as the principal beneficiary.  AFA will receive money raised through pledges made by those participating in Sunday's Air Force Cycling Challenge Crystal Ride as part of the Team Sabre.

"The Air Force Association is very pleased to be selected as the principal beneficiary of the 2012 Air Force Cycling Classic," said Mike Dunn, AFA President and CEO. "Our Wounded Airman Program allows us to provide a level of comfort or support to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for this country. Please join me and other members of the AFA staff in supporting Team Sabre as we ride to raise funds for our heroic Airmen!"

Cycling enthusiasts of all abilities will be able to ride in the Air Force Cycling Challenge Crystal Ride.  Amateur participants can participate either as a Standard Registrant, as part of a Corporate Challenge Team or as part of Team Sabre. Team Sabre riders pledge money toward the AFA Wounded Airman Program. That team will receive special jerseys, in addition to their timing chips, race number and event t-shirts. They will begin and end their ride in Crystal City and will also be able to participate in an awards ceremony at the Air Force Memorial following the conclusion of the ride, at approximately 11:00 am, honoring the top fundraising team and individual.  All participants can enjoy the car-free, 15km course for up to 3 1/2 hours. The course takes riders past the Air Force Memorial, the Pentagon and through Crystal City. Riders receive a gold medal by completing six laps in less than 3 1/2 hours. A silver medal is earned by riding four laps, and a bronze for two laps in that timeframe. More information and registration for the Crystal Ride is now available through the events website: www.AirForceCyclingClassic.com.

The weekend's events begin on Saturday, June 9, with the Air Force Cycling Classic's Clarendon Cup.  Amateur racers begin the day's races, with the featured Men's Pro race, now in its 15th year, starting at noon. Then on Sunday, June 10, the pros will again be featured in the Air Force Cycling Classic Crystal Cup, which will follow the non-competitive Air Force Cycling Challenge Crystal Ride. Women's and amateur races will complete the day's cycling events. Saturday and Sunday's races will again be part of the prestigious USA Cycling's National Criterium Calendar.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage.  To accomplish this, we:

• EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
• ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
• SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.

AFA has 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 108,000 members.  Visit AFA on the internet at www.afa.org.

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.

SOURCE Air Force Association