Community
July 3 - July 6
The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic has been supported and cherished by the greater Fitchburg community for 49 wonderful years. The race could not happen without community involvement and support.
We have partnered with many local organizations for 2008 to bring additional activities to the communities affected by the race.
Please visit the community links to the left to learn more about what there is to do when the Longso races into town!
49th Fitchburg Longsjo Classic
Website by Ed Collier Photography
Fitchburg Cycling Club / P.O. Box 923 / Fitchburg, MA / 01420
Marketing Director / Bill White / wwhite @ longsjo.com
Executive Director / Ed Collier / ecollier @ longsjo.com
General Questions / info2008 @ longsjo.com
Where to Watch the Race
The Longsjo is one of the most dynamic races in America, and there are many fantastic vantage points which allow you to get up close and personal with the top pros and amateurs while they are racing. Use these suggestions as a starting point for your Longsjo experience.
Wednesday July 2nd / Registration and Banquet
Registration is the spectators opportunity to see 800 riders arrive in Fitchburg with some of the most technologically advanced machines ever manufactured. Ask questions of the racers! They love to talk with old and new fans alike.
Where to Park:
Best Western Royal Plaza, Fitchburg, MA
What Time:
Registration is from 5-9, and the registration banquet begins at 5:30.
Thursday July 3rd /Best Western Royal Plaza / Rindge Road Time Trial
Normally the TT is not the most spectator friendly type of race. However, the Longsjo has hired a spectator shuttle for 2008, allowing fans, friends, and family the opportunity to see their rider head out on course.
Where to Park:
Wallace Civic Center
1000 John Fitch Hwy
Fitchburg, MA 01420
What Time:
The first racer leaves the starting ramp at 8AM, and the pro men begin at 4:30 PM. The shuttle begins at 8AM and ends at 5:30 PM
Where to Watch:
The start are is the ideal spot to watch the racers. Riders leave the starting ramp at 30 second intervals, and blast 10 Kilometers up Rindge Road on their way to Ashburnham.
Friday July 4th
Wachusett Mountain Road Race
The Road Race has some dramatic vantage points. The grind into Princeton Center, the lightning fast descent past Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, or the pivotal summit ascent through Wachusett Mountain State Reservation.
Where to Park:
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area Base Lodge
(take route 2 to exit 25, and follow race parking signs)
-or-
Princeton Center (intersection of rotes 62 and 31)
What Time:
The first race leaves the base lodge at 9AM, and the pro women and men will finish at approx. 4:15 and 4:30-5:00 PM respectively. The chairlift will operate from 10AM-6PM $2 per round trip, or $5 ride all day.
Where to Watch:
Wachusett Ski Area
Princeton Center
Wachusett State Reservation / Summit
Saturday July 5th
Fitchburg State College Circuit Race
The circuit race offers a unique viewing opportunity for spectators. You won’t see the riders quite as often as the criterium, but they’ll be racing up the Pearl St. climb multiple times. If it’s hot (it will be) the riders will really be suffering.
Where to Park:
North St. Parking lots in and around Fitchburg State College.
What Time:
Where to Watch:
Pearl St. (very challenging climb)
-or-
Highland Ave. There’s a lot of excitement caused by teams feeding their riders. Chartwell’s Catering will be grilling out at the top of the climb.
Sunday July 6th
Workers’ Credit Union Downtown Criterium
There isn’t a single bad location to watch the Criterium; the Longsjo’s crown jewel.
Where to Park:
Boulder Drive South of east of Putnam St.
City Streets and garage’s on lower Main St.
For hassle free, free parking, use the intermodal garage on Main St., 200 yards east of the race course.
What Time:
The first race begins at 8AM, the Citizens race begins at 11:30, and the pro women and men begin at 2:05 and 3:30 respectively.
Where to Watch:
Everywhere! The finish line on Main St., or Boulder Drive, where the backstretch family festival is located (free games, ice cream, cookout, rock wall, stunt show), Grab a pint of your favorite beverage and watch the race from the Boulder Cafe in the upper common.
