Ride with Purpose: Honor Miles Initiative Pays Moving Tribute to Cyclists, Community Leaders, and Local Heroes

ARLINGTON, VA, May 12, 2025 — This year’s Cycling Classic Challenge Ride will feature a moving tribute along the course: 13 flags, each placed at a mile marker, will honor individuals with a meaningful connection to the event, the cycling community, or the region. The inaugural Aon Honor Miles Tribute is designed to inspire riders as they complete each lap, turning miles into moments of remembrance.

The tribute includes past Challenge Ride participants, influential cycling advocates, and members of the broader community — including the crews and passengers who tragically lost their lives in the recent aviation accident on the Potomac River this past summer.

“We lost Michal Gnatek this past year — an extraordinary colleague who was instrumental in getting us involved with the Armed Forces Cycling Classic,” said Al Hartmann, Capital Office Market Leader at Aon. “When the organizers approached us to sponsor a tribute not only to Michal but also to others whose stories deserve to be remembered, we immediately said yes. We’re honored to help bring this vision to life.”

Each time riders complete a lap of the 13-mile course, they’ll pass the flags bearing the names of honorees — a quiet, powerful reminder of the lives and legacies that shape the event and its community. From local heroes to beloved colleagues, each tribute serves as a symbol of connection, resilience, and the enduring spirit of cycling.

A complete list of honorees will be made available online.

The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic offers a full weekend of cycling excitement for riders, racers, and fans. For registration, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, or to learn how you can witness the fast-paced action of professional cycling in the Washington, D.C. region, visit cyclingclassic.org.

Media inquiries and requests for credentials may be directed to Maurisa Potts at maurisa@spottedmp.com.