Bike race to celebrate 50th year

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) - A bicycle race named after a man raised in Fitchburg who competed in the 1956 Olympics is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic began Thursday and will continue throughout the weekend.

Around 800 racers are expected to compete in 32 races over four days.

Organizers estimate the race will bring more than $4 million to the Fitchburg area.

Art Longsjo, son of Finnish immigrants, competed in the 1956 Olympics as a bicyclist and speed skater.

He was killed in a car crash in 1958 as he was returning from competing in a race in Canada.

This fall, the city will open a middle school in his name.

Students in the rechristened building will focus on science, technology and mathematics.