Fitchburg Longsjo Classic facts for kids

The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic was a yearly bicycle race. It was also called the Longsjo Classic. This exciting race happened in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA. It started in 1960 to honor Art Longsjo.

History

A Special Start

The Longsjo Classic began in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1960. It was first named the Arthur M. Longsjo Jr. Memorial Bicycle Race. This was done to remember Art Longsjo, who was from Fitchburg.

Art Longsjo was a very special athlete. In 1956, he competed in both the Winter Olympics as a speed skater. He also competed in the Summer Olympics as a cyclist. This made him the first American to be in both Olympic Games in the same year!

Sadly, Art Longsjo died in a car crash in 1958. He was driving home after winning a long bike race. In 1960, people in Fitchburg wanted to honor him. Local leaders, businesses, and Art's wife, Terry Longsjo, helped start the first race. His friend Guy Morin also gave ideas.

Growing Bigger

In 1980, a new group took over the race. They changed its name to the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic. During this time, it became one of the top bike races in the United States. Many famous cyclists competed and won here.

In 1991, the race became a four-day event. This meant riders competed in different types of races. These included a time trial, a circuit race, and a road race up Mt. Wachusett. The traditional downtown Fitchburg criterium was also part of it. A criterium is a fast race on a short course. This four-day format lasted until 2010. It was one of the biggest pro-am (professional and amateur) stage races in the country.

Challenges and End

In 2011, the race faced money and organization problems. It was planned to be a one-day event instead of four. However, a building fire in downtown Fitchburg caused the race to be canceled. Many streets needed for the race were closed. A multi-stage event was planned for 2012, but it was also canceled.

The race returned in 2013, thanks to the new Art Longsjo Foundation. It became a two-day event. It included a criterium in downtown Leominster and the usual Fitchburg race. From 2014 to 2016, a race in downtown Worcester was added. In 2017 and 2018, races were held in Leominster and Fitchburg. In 2019, only the Fitchburg race took place.

On March 18, 2020, the Art Longsjo Foundation announced the end of the event. They said it was hard to get money from local businesses. Also, fewer riders were joining the race, which was a trend across the U.S.

Past winners

The following lists show the winners of the Fitchburg Criterium from 1960–1990. They also show stage race winners from 1991–2010. Finally, they list day winners from 2013–2019.

Women

Men

See also

In Spanish: Fitchburg Longsjo Classic para niños