RACE REPORT
Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, Fitchburg, MA
June 28 - July 2
Stage 1 Fitchcburg Longsjo Classic
The team is off to a great start at Fitchburg. Brian Sheedy is leading the way....
The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic is one of the oldest and most prestigious stage races in the country. This year is the 47th edition and promises to be as hard as ever. The Priority Health Team came out firing today in the Stage 1 time trial. Fitchburg is close to Ted King's stomping grounds, and he didn't disappoint the local fans with a solid 11th place finish. Time trial specialist Brent Bookwalter rode stellar as usual with an 8th place finish.
After suffering severe crashes and injuries in 2002 and 2003 at the Longsjo Classic, Brian Sheedy is back to this race for the first time to slay the demons and get redemption. He smoked the hilly 10km time trial course in 13 minutes and 47 seconds, mimicking Zirbel's Tour de Nez victory by 2 seconds. Brian's form has been steadily improving for the past few months and he's very pleased with the result. "I've been wanting to come back to The Longsjo for some time and this is just perfect! I thought I'd have a good run, but I didn't expect to get the win, this is just awesome."
The Priority Health boys have their work cut out for them during the next few days, but they are optimistic. Friday's 78-mile circuit race is on a tough 5km loop that they'll do 25 times. Saturday is a grueling 104-mile road race with lots of climbing and finishes atop a mountain ski resort. The day for the sprinters will come on Sunday in the downtown Fitchburg Criterium. Jake Rytlewski said, "We have a strong team here, with several weapons and tactics to use. We will try to keep the leader's jersey or pass it on to another teammate. We will also be looking for more stage victories along the way."
-- Mark Olson
