For Van Gilder, all roads lead to Longsjo race

Laura Van Gilder figures she has ridden in the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Stage Race ``maybe a zillion times." OK, so she's a bit fuzzy on the exact number.

``But since I started cycling when I was 26, I've ridden in it almost every year," said Van Gilder, now 41. ``I know the first year I did it, it was much shorter, only two days long."

The race began in 1960 as a one-day race that was a tribute to Fitchburg native Art Longsjo, the first Olympian to compete in the Winter (speedskating) and Summer (cycling) Games. He was killed in a car accident in 1958 while on his way home from a bike race that he won. The field has grown bigger and the race has gotten longer, but the event is still very much local.

Past winners have included eventual Tour de France racers Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton, as well as Olympians Connie Carpenter-Phinney, Rebecca Twigg, and Canadian national champion Lyne Bessette. Like many racers, Van Gilder, the national criterium champion in 2000, circles the Fourth of July weekend on her calendar every year.

But as much as the race attracts international competitors, there are also races for amateurs, masters, and licensed (but not elite racers). About 1,000 racers are expected to ride in the eight races each day.

And as if the four days of racing aren't enough, race volunteers have added activities for spectators, such as a block party on Main Street in Fitchburg from 5-11 p.m. tomorrow, an all-day food fest at the First Congregational Church in Princeton Saturday. The Fitchburg Historical Society also has a special exhibit of Longsjo's cycling career that will be on display Saturday and Sunday on Main Street.

Jonathan Page , a three-time national cyclocross champion from Northfield, N.H., won last year's four-day race, and will be back to defend his title. But Sue Palmer-Komar, of Hamilton, Ontario, who won the last two women's races, will probably not be back this year, so Tina Pic , who finished second last year, is favored to move up on the podium.

Van Gilder is one of the top American sprinters, with more than 300 wins, and she has represented the United States in two World Championships. She has won the 34-mile circuit race at Fitchburg, and had been on the podium ``another six or seven times."

``Over the years, it's been the perfect stage race on the calendar in preparation for some other events," said Van Gilder.

She had to miss Longsjo last year because, as a member of the US national team, she was invited to race in the Giro d'Italia.

``It was quite hard, and I was glad to have the opportunity," said Van Gilder. ``But I'm certainly looking forward to Fitchburg this year."

Longsjo Classic
What: Eight cycling competitions in four-day stage race
When: Today through Sunday
Where: Fitchburg
TV: NESN