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Fitchburg Longsjo Classic readies for 50th

by VeloNews.com

• March 03, 2009
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Fitchburg Longsjo Classic readies for 50th

An American Classic – part of the USAC National Racing Calendar

Commemorating the gold anniversary for a race that should have never been is bittersweet. The 50th Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, which has become a staple for amateur and professional cyclists from around the world, is preparing for record attendance for the July 2 – 5 stage race.

“It was a half a century ago, a group of friends and Art Longsjo’s widow, Terry, put on a one-day race to honor the memory of the first US athlete to compete in the Winter and Summer Olympics in the same year, 1956,” noted Fitchburg Cycling Club’s Ed Collier, executive director.

The race has grown into one of the oldest and largest pro/am cycling competitions in North America, which is on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar, attracts nearly 900 riders from around the world, including many national champions and Olympic competitors.

The four-day competition is accompanied by a variety of community events and celebrations, beginning with opening day festivities on July 1st and continuing through four days of racing from July 2nd through July 5th. The races will feature riders in eight different categories, including Women’s Pro/1/2 and Men’s Pro/1. Other categories include Men’s Category 2, Category 3, Category 4, Masters and Juniors and Women’s Category 3/4. The event is part of the Lance Armstrong Junior race series (LAJRS). The top Masters 45+ and Women Cat 4 riders, who will be racing with the Masters 35+ and Women 3 fields, respectively, will also be recognized at the final podium presentations.

This year $51,000 in prize money will be awarded, with the Men’s Pro/1 prize pool at $25,000 and the Women’s Pro/1/2 at $13,000. Racers in all categories are encouraged to register early to secure a spot – many categories are expected to fill early this year. Registration is on-line only at www.bikereg.com.

Special housing options, including discount rates at the Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg (race headquarters) and dorm accommodations at Fitchburg State College, are also available on www.bikereg.com.

As the second oldest pro/am cycling race in North America, the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic honors the memory of Arthur Longsjo, a Fitchburg native and the first US athlete to compete in the Winter and Summer Olympics in the same year (1956). Art’s accomplishments have been recognized by his posthumous induction into the Cycling Hall of Fame and Speed Skating Hall of Fame. The oldest U.S. cycling race still in existence is the Tour of Somerville, which Art Longsjo won in 1958.