Partnering with Deloitte
Racing with Purpose: Partnering with Deloitte at the Armed Forces Classic
At VBR TWENTY28, we believe that racing is about more than just results—it's about teamwork, precision, adaptability, and rising to a challenge. That’s why our recent partnership with Deloitte at the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classicfelt like a natural fit. It wasn’t just a weekend of elbows-out criterium racing in the heart of the nation’s capital—it was a chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate shared values both on and off the bike.
Shared Values: Precision, Performance, and Teamwork
Deloitte’s commitment to excellence, strategic thinking under pressure, and collaborative leadership mirrors the same principles that drive our team every day. Whether it’s navigating a tight corner in a technical crit or supporting a teammate in the final 200 meters of a sprint, our success—like Deloitte’s—is built on precision, preparation, and trust.
That alignment came to life in so many meaningful ways over the weekend.
The Deloitte Challenge Ride & Office Visit
Before race day, we joined Deloitte's Challenge Team for a group ride and a coffee chat at their Washington, D.C. headquarters. The experience was more than just a warm-up—it was a genuine exchange of stories, motivation, and mutual inspiration. We discussed the parallels between business and sport, from leadership and resilience to data-driven performance and dynamic decision-making.
The Deloitte riders brought great energy to the road, and several even wore our VBR TWENTY28 team kits during the Corporate Challenge Ride on race day—expanding our “team” and proudly representing Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Virginia is for Mountain Lovers, and Deloitte alike.
Race Weekend Highlights
Day one featured a brand-new course for the Capitol Cup, set just steps from the U.S. Capitol Building. Over 100 women lined up, ready to race. Rain and high winds created challenging conditions, but our team executed flawlessly to deliver a win.
Day two took us to the legendary Clarendon Cup, one of the toughest criterium courses on the calendar. With fast corners, passionate fans, and fierce competition, it was a race that demanded everything. Our riders rose to the challenge, sealing a second victory and taking home the overall Omnium win.
Looking Ahead
Partnering with Deloitte was a highlight of the weekend—and one we hope to build on in the future. The opportunity to connect through sport, celebrate shared principles, and elevate both our missions was something truly special.
We're grateful to Deloitte for their support and collaboration, and we’re excited about the potential for what comes next.
"Partnering with Virginia Blue Ridge Twenty28 for the AFCC was rewarding and inspiring on both professional and personal levels. Deloitte is one of the 4 founding members of the Athena Pledge, a commitment to strategic investments in women’s sports and this was an opportunity to connect tangible actions to those values. Not just to support the race and the incredible athletes of VBR, but to champion a more inclusive future for all. On a personal level as a cyclist, it was just SO COOL!! Such a gift to be able to share an experience with athletes competing at the highest level and witness the whole team lay it all on the line to get the wins. You’ve got a new fan for life! Probably more than one since my 6-year old daughter is still bragging about making in onto Rylee’s Instagram feed." - John Heuisler, Senior Manager. Deloitte Consulting LLP
