From the coach

Young Aussies Do Well in Longsjo Classic
Written by Rick Lee, Team Budget Forklifts
Sunday, 06 July 2008
Longsjo Classic is the 2nd Oldest Cycle Race in the USA, it is the race where Henk Vogels had that life threatening fall on a super fast decent a few years back.

Riders from all over America and Internationals take part in the “Longsjo”.

The Team Budget Forklift squad arrived at the start in very wet and windy conditions and I am sure our riders were not looking forward to the tough conditions.



The course was outstanding and is a true road riders course with the finish at the Summit of a Ski Resort, so yes plenty of climbing today.

The organisation at this race in just out of this world and is a pleasure to be part of it.

Women’s Event:
After Miff Galloway ride in finishing 5th in the TT the previous day it was up to the team to support the team desire for a GC win here in Fitchburg Massachusetts. The girls raced very smart to ensure they put Miff and themselves in with a good chance of a Stage win and solid individual results.

Approximately 100 riders fronted for the event and it was a gentle affair until the final assent up to the summit. With 2km to go to the summit, we had 3 riders in the leading bunch of about 60 riders with Miff the dominant rider, she attacked at the 1.5km mark to go and was never headed winning the stage by 25seconds.

The result puts her in 2nd overall on GC and a big lead in the KOM. Michaela Anderson finished in around 20th with Brodie Stewart in the top 40. Lara Freiberg who had stayed in contention for the majority of the race still finished creditably.

We have the Circuit race tomorrow and then a Criterium on Sunday to decide the Tour. The team tactics will be a great experience for this young team and we will certainly put the Tour Leader under pressure.

Men’s Event:
Tactics today were simple ‘be patient’. The team was under strict instructions to not make any moves in the first 60km of the 120km race. Follow or close down any attacks and ensure we got Peter Johnstone to the finish in reasonable shape for the circuit race and Criterium to follow on Sat and Sun.

We had 2 riders in the top 10 on GC -Thomas Richards and Mitch Mulhern and we were to make a move up the assent to the Summit. The race went to plan very well with the guys being very patient until Thomo made a move about 5km from the finish, Patty Lane was tagging 2nd placegetter and Mitch was keeping things in order at the front of the chasing bunch as was Sam Genge and the baby of the group Gus Tobin.

Thomo went on to take a great solo win with Patty Lane 4th, Peter Johnstone found his climbing legs to finish 6th and Mitchell Mulhern 8th. This gave Thomo the Leaders Jersey and we now go into the races that I feel suit us needing to defend a small lead.

This was a great team effort and I am very proud of the way the guys and girls took un board some criticism and advice to race with commitment and desire to achieve our goals.

Top photo: Getting ready
Copyright Peter Ford (CSN)

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Well, sorry to alarm you all, but I'm sure we now have your attention. The story behind the Dial 911 is as follows:

Team Budget Forklifts' rider, Thomas Richards from Queensland, wore the number 911 in the 49th Fitchburg Longsjo Classic in USA on the weekend, and as you all know 911 is the emergency phone number in the US.

In the Circuit race on Saturday where Thomo retained the Tour Leader's jersey the commentator said ‘“Dial 911 ladies and gentleman as Thomo Richards from Australia has just attacked and all the other riders will need emergency treatment, this young man from Team Budget FL is a star in the making”



Then in the final stage, a Criterium in downtown Fitchburg Thomo crashed with 7 laps remaining of the Tour and looked like his chance of taking out the Classic were taken away from him.



Well to finish the story, Peter Johnstone, who was also involved in the crash assisted Thomo to get back to the pits to get a replacement bike or repairs, at the same time a USA rider in 2nd place on GC hit the front trying to take a lap before Thomo could get back in on his “Free Lap due to mishap ruling”.



This then was countered by Team Budget FL riders – Sam Genge, Gus Tobin and Mitch Mulhern who quickly hit the front and took control.



By the time Thomo had arrived at the SRAM Pits, we had about 1 minute to get him in the race, the SRAM mechanics were outstanding getting him a new Orbea ready while they checked and adjusted his bike.



As the bunch approached they had his bike ready and we threw him in as the bunch went past. The last 6 laps were controlled by Team Budget FL until some suicide tactics from some lowly placed GC team.



Our guys maintained their composure and safely lead Thomo around the last few laps to a great team victory in this classic.



Peter Johnstone maintained our standing by stepping out and taking 3rd in the stage as well.



A Great job by the whole team!!!!!



In the Women’s event we had Miff Galloway in the Green Jersey and 12 seconds away from the Tour Lead. It was always going to be a tough job for our young team to claw back the 12 seconds but they tried their hearts out. Brodie Stewart continually attacked and as well took out a $100 prime.



Lara Freiberg was outstanding in the way she supported the team and attacked whenever there was a ‘stall’ and Michaela Anderson attacked and then lead Miff out in the last lap, a lead out that any Pro would be proud of. Miff took 2nd in the stage and failed by 9 seconds in winning the Tour.



The respect these young ladies have gained and contacts made will be great for their future.



Next year is the 50th running of the great race and past winners will be invited back and it is hoped Lance Armstrong will attend, we will be back for another crack at the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic.

Top photo: Team Budget Forklifts star, Thomas Richards...a great effort on the weekend
Copyright Peter Ford (CSN)


Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 July 2008 )