provided by Saturn Cycling

June 26, 2003 (Fitchburg, MA) – The first stage of the 44th annual Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic kicked off with the Best Western Time Trial. The 850 participants were met with hot, hazy and humid weather, and the promise of severe weather certainly looms in the future for tomorrow's circuit race. However, for this area of the country, sunshine and warm weather are a blessing, and the New Englanders are almost joyous in their relief at finally having something other than rain greet them in the morning.

The time trial course was a seven mile out and back format with the final 500 meters climbing up to the finish line at the Best Western. In the women's race, Saturn's Jessica Phillips was first to set a time that looked to stick on the leader's board with an 18:26:29. She remained the leader until Sarah Ulmer (TDS) flew across the line flanked by Katrina Berger (T-Mobile). Her time shot her into the lead with an 18:12:88. Phillip's Saturn teammate, Katie Mactier was third with a time of 18:28:1. Ulmer will start tomorrow's 40 mile circuit race in the leader's jersey but has two Saturn riders ready to do battle.

The men's race again saw early riders post fast times with Saturn's Victor Rapinski setting the pace with a 16:17:95. He held the lead for quite a while until Navigator's Chris Baldwin, newly crowned as the US National TT Champion, broke the 16 minute marker with a 15:59. Next fastest would be Matt DeCanio, racing into third place with a time of 16:19:45. The Navigators had a strong showing with Henk Vogels finishing in fourth as well. The pro men compete on the same course as the women for the second stage, however, the radar shows heavy thunderstorms moving toward the area, and, as in year's past may become a factor in the race.

Results – Women:

1. Sarah Ulmer – TDS 18:12:88
2. Jessica Phillips – Saturn 18:26:29
3. Katie Mactier – Saturn – 18:28:16

Men:
1. Chris Baldwin – Navigators – 15:59:
2. Victor Rapinski – Saturn – 16:17:95
3. Matt DeCanio – Prime Alliance – 16:19:45