Washington, D.C. – [July 11, 2024] – Chocolate City Criterium™ presented by Events DC marks the first time in more than a decade that a USA Cycling sanctioned criterium race will take place in Washington, D.C. on July 27, 2024 at The Fields at RFK Campus.
Chocolate City Criterium™ is produced by Equip Racing, GRIT USA, and Buna x Bicycles – three minority-owned small businesses in D.C. – and is dedicated to increasing diversity and lowering the barriers to entry in cycling while making an impact on the D.C. community.
Events DC is proud to announce its sponsorship of Chocolate City Criterium™ as this event aligns perfectly with Events DC’s mission to generate economic and community benefits for the residents and businesses of the District of Columbia through premier event experiences.
“Events DC is thrilled to host a unique event that fuses sports with celebrating Washington, DC’s vibrant culture on the RFK Campus,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “Chocolate City Criterium will be a full day of dynamic cycling that underscores why DC is the Sports Capital. I encourage everyone to join us to promote equity in cycling, celebrate DC culture and give back to our communities.”
A Unique and Inclusive Cycling Event
Chocolate City Criterium™ isn’t just a bike race; it is a unique fusion of thrilling criterium racing with a celebration of D.C.’s vibrant culture, and a platform for promoting equity in bike racing. Key highlights include:
- Promoting Equity in Bike Racing: Hosting the Non-Binary Championship race for the Mid-Atlantic Bike Racing Association (MABRA), offering free racing, equal payouts, and race times for marginalized groups in cycling, and actively engaging BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and Junior clubs and cyclists.
- Celebrating DC’s Culture: Providing free live Go-Go music and entertainment such as roller skating, a bike polo match, local vendors, food and drink, and much more in effort to expose cyclists from across the nation to D.C.’s diverse culture, landmarks, and attractions.
- Impacting Our Community: Fundraising for the DC Bike Academy, bolstering the local economy by creating opportunities for small businesses, and inspiring future generations by promoting two-wheeled transportation.
DC Bike Academy
Chocolate City Criterium™ aims to create financial and social impact for the DC Bike Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the form of donations, scholarships for graduating youth, mentorship, and more. DC Bike Academy is an organization of cyclists, educators, and community leaders who believe they can make a difference in the lives of our youth if we give them the right tools to succeed. Their innovative, hands-on programs provide youth with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning activities that combine critical thinking, practical skills, teamwork and mentoring. Youth learn the basics of bicycle repair, earn community service hours, work readiness skills and receive a bike for themselves to keep.
Learn more about DC Bike Academy at www.dcbikeacademy.org.
Women Race Free Thanks To Conduit Road Public House
All women race for free at Chocolate City Criterium™ thanks to our partners at Conduit Road Public House, a woman-owned business supporting women in sport! Chocolate City Criterium™ is proud to have partners like Conduit Road Public House who are helping us lower the barrier to entry in cycling and providing equal racing opportunities to women.
Conduit Road Public House is a family-oriented restaurant serving classic American food in the heart of the Palisades. Located at 5125 Macarthur Boulevard NW in Washington, D.C., Conduit Road is inspired by the former name of MacArthur Boulevard as it provided access to the aqueduct that carried the District’s water supply.
Learn more about Conduit Road Public House at www.conduitroadllc.com.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Gold-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our hub for on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com.
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Join us on July 27, 2024, at The Fields at RFK Campus for an unforgettable day of racing, music, and community celebration. For more information, visit www.equip.racing/CCC, RSVP on Eventbrite, or contact info@equip.racing.
Media Contact:
Drew Wilson
Director, Chocolate City Criterium drew@equip.racing
