Former champions return for 49th Longsjo Classic
FITCHBURG - With every year, the summer classic that is the Fitchburg Longsjo continues to grow - the quality of the fields, the size of the crowds, the buildup of anticipation.
This year's four-day event, which begins today with the 6.55-mile time trial, has attracted more than 800 cyclists, from 36 states and six countries, competing for a $51,500 purse.
And while the community eagerly awaits the 49th running, enthusiasts have eyes peeled toward next year's golden jubilee.
"We're looking at this as a dress rehearsal," said Ed Collier, the executive director and race coordinator. "We'll have a definite plan for a real fine 50th."
But the 49th comes first, the only stage race east of the Mississippi River on USA Cycling's national racing calendar, and the Longsjo spices a festive holiday weekend.
Defending men's pro overall champion Jacob Rytlewski (
Genevieve Gauthier, who last year won the women's pro title, is at this weekend's national championships in her native Canada, but Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine Cycling), both multiple stage winners at Longsjo, headline a solid women's field.
And with Fourth of July falling on Day 2, the customary second and third stages have switched. With the city's holiday festivities taking place, the circuit race, usually the second stage, will run Saturday, and the Wachusett Mountain road race goes off tomorrow.
The hilly terrain of the Wachusett route runs 11.4 miles, with the pro men (12:30 p.m. start) going nine laps for 104 miles and the pro women (12:42 start) going six times around for 69 miles, all finishing on the mountaintop. The circuit stage runs over a 3.1-mile course that passes through Fitchburg State College. Pro men (3:30 start) go 24 laps for 75 miles, pro women (2 p.m.) complete 11 circuits for 34 miles.
Strategies, team and individual, undoubtedly will take on different wrinkles this year.
"The races have often been decided on the mountain stages," Collier said. "Unless someone opens a huge gap this year, the leader still has to race pretty hard for the next two days."
As intriguing as the switch makes the race, don't plan on the change becoming permanent for next year's 50th. "Our intention is to switch back," Collier said. "We'll see how it affects the racing this year."
The Longsjo concludes Sunday with the downtown criterium (50 miles for pro men starting at 3:30, 25 for pro women starting at 2:05), where racers compete on a .9-mile loop. Added to the criterium this year is a five-lap, 4.5-mile Category 5 event, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Officials have extended registration, to the first 50 entrants, through tomorrow at www.longsjo.com.
"The competition in Category 4 is developing into an elite event," Collier said. "This gives beginning riders a chance to join in the mystique, providing a sampler of competitive cycling."
"This is a celebration of cycling," Collier said. "And Fitchburg has had such a special involvement, such a long history in the sport."
49th Fitchburg Longsjo Classic
What: Four-stage cycling race
When: Today-Sunday
Purse: $51,500
