May 7, 2010 (Fitchburg, Massachusetts) – In a break from tradition, the 51st Fitchburg Longsjo Classic has changed the sequence of racing in the four-day stage race, which now gets under way with the challenging circuit race on July 2. “The reordering of the stages is very exciting, because it places much more importance on the time trial. A moderately bad day at the road race no longer means that your GC fight is over,” said Executive Director Ed Collier. “We are also very pleased to announce that, for the first time ever, the Women Pro 1/2 and the Men Pro/1 will have a full rolling enclosure during the road race.”

The Longsjo is dedicated to the memory of Arthur Longsjo, the first same-year dual (winter and summer) Olympian in the United States. Riders from across the United States and around the globe in eight different categories, including Women’s Pro/1 and Men’s Pro/1, will compete for over $50,000 in prize money.

Racing begins on Friday, July 2, with the Fitchburg State College Circuit Race, a 3.1-mile loop through the hilly streets of Fitchburg, with the men’s pro riding 74 miles, starting at 3:30 p.m., and the women’s pro cycling 34 miles, beginning at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, July 3, riders tackle the challenging Wachusett Mountain Road Race, a grueling 11-mile course through the town of Princeton. The pro riders will start shortly after noon at the base of Wachusett Mountain, with the pro men racing 98 miles and pro women, 64 miles.

The Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg South Street Time Trial, an 8.7-mile race against the clock, with take place Sunday, July 4, near the Westminster Town Hall on South Street, with the pro women starting at12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. for the pro men.

Racing concludes on Monday, July 5, with the Workers’ Credit Union Criterium. This fast-paced, exciting race runs right past the Longsjo Memorial, with multiple laps, starting at 2:30 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. for the pro women and men respectively, around a 0.9-mile loop through historic downtown Fitchburg.

Major sponsors include: The Ronald M, Ansin Foundation, Workers’ Credit Union, Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg and Fitchburg State College.

For more information, please visit www.longsjo.com