THE EARLY YEARS:
TETZ TAKES THE FIRST 2
It all started
in 1961 when Bob Tetzlaff, a rider who forged a sterling cycling career
spanning 3 decades, won the inaugural affair, which was witnessed
by 1,500 locals and contested by 50 competitors. The prizes weren't
too shabby-ranging from an outboard motor to transistor radios- and
race director Charlie Allert awarded all the winners a gold nugget.
Tetzlaff's winning time of 2:05 for 45 miles would, ironically, compare
favorably to future times. Tetz was trailed by Dave Sharp and Wes
Chowan in that order. In 1962, a nineteen year old Canadian, Bill
Wild, appeared to be the sure winner as he led 64 other competitors
for 20 laps. But, he crashed on The Turn and, according to The Union,
was treated for "badly skinned elbows and a broken wrist."
Following the exit of Wild, a Seesaw battle between Tetzlaff, Sharp,
Bob Parsons, Bill Harrison, Ed Renger, and Ronnie Thorn-"a sensational
cyclist from Austalia"-developed. Parsons crashed on the uphill
part of all places an d Tetz blasted through The Turn and "...flashed
over the line only a handlebar length ahead of Bill Harrison, a 17
year old Sunnyvale lad." Sharp placed 3rd.
1963 - '67:
5 FOR 5 FOR PARSONS
In 1963 Bob Parsons,
a quiet 18 year old from Pasadena, CA began an incredible string of
five straight victories at Nevada City. Keep in mind that in the 19
year history of the event only two riders, besides Parsons, have won
the race twice; though it is possible that someone may eventually
accumulate 5 wins, to do so in consecutive fashion may been an unmatchable
feat. Going into the race Tetzlaff was the crowd favorite to notch
his 3rd consecutive win. But, plagued by a combination of mechanical
problems-a puncture, gear and chain problems - and a crash, Tetz strugged
in at 8th place, nearly a full lap down. With Tetzlaff out of the
picture Parsons attacked on lap 35 (of 45), and held a slight lead
for the next 10 laps. Placing 2nd was the California sprint champion
('61) and road champion ('62) Dave Capron, and 3rd was Canadian Ian
Mahon-a member of their 1960 Olympic team. 1964 witnessed the largest
field ever to enter Nevada City. 135 cyclists started in what race
director Allert now called the "toughest bike race in the country."
Parsons didn't venture any solo heroics, but waited to the final lap
wherein he went through The Turn first to win. Placing 2nd was Tim
Kelly - currently U.S.A. road coach-and 3rd was Sharp. 1965 marked
an easy victory for Parsons, but the following year (1966) he had
to dig deep. In the late going a young honor student from UC Berkeley
by the name of Dave Brink attacked and took a commanding lead. Parsons
chased and eventually caught and dropped Brink to bag #4. This year
the crowds were smaller because of the 90 ° heat and the televising
of the Giant-Dodger game on TV. Placing behind Parsons and Brink was
Ward Thompson of Lind say, CA. As the race entered its 7th year the
town was unabshedly getting behind it. The local paper now gave it
pre race hype, and full page coverage the day after the event. Local
merchants were using the race as an advertising hook. A few days after
the '67 race, Alpha Hardware - a sponsor of this year's race-ran a
1/3 page ad in The Union proclaiming, "We can't all be bike racing
champions, but you'll feel like that on a Schwinn." 1967 marked
Parsons 5th and hardest victory, as well as his last. Brink and Dan
Butler, an incredibly pugnacious and aggressive rider whose idea of
racing tactics solely in volved "...blowing 'em off my wheel,"
forged a break and put unrelenting patented fashion as he zipped through
the Pine Street corner first, followed by Brink and Butler.
1968 BRINK
BREAKS PARSONS' STRING
Parsons was not
much of a factor in the 1968 event as David Brink, Butler, and Army
Lt. John Allis, broke clear and left the rest of the 80 man field
in arrears. Parsons was nearly lapped as he finished a distant 5th.
On bell lap Brink opened a gap go ing up Court House Hill to gain
his first and only win at Nevada City. Allis was second, followed
by Butler. Allis also made the Olympic team that year, but unlike
Parsons-Brink Butler went on to enjoy a full racing career. In '74
he had his best year as he won the national road champion ship and
represented the U.S. in the World Championships at Montreal. Allis
now races as a vetern and works as the marketing director for Raleigh
Bicycles.
1969: SEVEN
YEAR ITCH WILD WINS IT
This year the
intense rivalry be tween Parsons-Brink-Butler came to an abrupt end
as all three dropped out of the sport. Parsons, however, "with
a flashing beard," according to The Union, did attend the race
in street clothes. With the competition somewhat on the downswing,
Canadian Bill Wild lPort Moody, B.C.! avenged his'6Z heartbreaker
when he broke clear with 20 miles to go and proceeded to lap all but
two riders ~2. Harry Mor ton and 3. Fred Fisk!. Still sporting the
scars from the '62 crash, Wild said to the press, "I was out
to win this year. I flew down, whereas in other years I've driven
all night to get here."
1970: NATIONAL
CHAMP SOCKS IT TO 'EM
The outcome of
the 1970, 10th an nual event was considered a toss-up until John Howard
lSpringfield, MO!, former national road champion ~1968! showed up.
With a super-effort Howie won the most decisive victory in the history
of Nevada City as he nearly lapped the field twice! Howard broke away
in the first few laps, and lapped everyone by the midway point. Unfettered
by the 90° temps, he proceeded to do it "one mo' time"
as he lapped the remaining, demoralized group of 20 l62 had started~
. Howard's aggressive victory reflected his riding style during the
'70s as he became one of the premier American cyclists of all time.
He was a member of three Olympic teams l'68, '72, and'76!, became
the only American to win a gold medal in the Pan-American road race
l'71 in Sao Paulo, Brazil~, won three national road titles, and was
voted by Com petiti~e Cycling magazine as The Rider of the Decade
in January of 1980.
1971: FISK
WINS A CLOSE ONE
The Nevada City
circuit is so demanding that over the years vic tories have either
come in solo fashion or a sprint involving no more than a few riders.
Indeed, in the 19 year history of the event less than 25% of the competitors
have com pleted the tortuous event. But, in 1971 the crowd was treated
to a heart-stopper as no less than 7 riders-including local favorite
Don Davis-contested the final sprint. 53 riders started, and a high
number would eventually finish 130~. A group of 15 estahlished an
early lead, and as the punishing laps took their toll, the lead group
dwindled to a Magnificent Seven. On bell lap Fisk flew up Court House
Hill; said Davis later: "He went like crazy." Don was the
only rider to answer Fisk's challenge, but at the top of the hill
his legs locked in a paralyz ing cramp, and he wasn't able to ped
dle down Broad Street. Fisk finished 5 meters ahead of Geoffrey Conley,
and placing 3rd was Richard Baronna, a deaf-mute from San Francisco
who participa ted in several Special Olympics during his cycling career.
The 30 year old Fisk's elation was briefly turned to dismay as spec
tators, crowding to see the finish, moved onto the road. Fisk crossed
the line, slammed into spectators and lay on the ground for over a
minute. Fisk regained his senses and told the relieved crowd, "I
have never been happier in my life. This has got to be the most wonderful
race in the U.S."
1972: THE JINX
BEGINS DAVIS JUST MISSES
Nevada City resident
Don Davis turned on to bike racing when he saw the inaugural event
in 1961. Since then the former California Junior road champion ('68~
has wanted to win this premier cycling event...especially in front
of the hometown folks. The largest crowd yet...5,000 fans now a mix
of local residents and out of-towners- crowded the streets to see
72 riders do battle in 90° temps. Harry Morton, an old pro from
Bakerfield, CA, was the early race ag gressor, and soon Davis, Dave
Walters, and he had forged a 3-up break. The latter's entry into the
race was most curious: the previous week he had been competing in
theweeklong Olympic Trials held at Lake Luzerne, NY. Riding well,
he had a shot at making the team-the final berths being decided on
the final day, a Saturday. A 7th Day Adventist, Walters decided to
forego the con cluding day of the Trials, and flew to Nevada City
instead. The trip proved to be a rewarding one as Dave Walters would
win a classic event. On the final lap Davis led Morton and Walters
up the hill, and blasted down Broad Street to be the first through
The Turn. He did so, and ap peared to have the long-sought vic tory
assured, but "I took it too fast and lost control." While
he fought to keep from crashing, Walters shot by and took the lead.
~Davis made a spec tacular recovery, and nearly got Walters at the
line, but he lost by the length of a bike.
1973: A JR.
WHIPS THE SENIORS
In the early '70s
senior racing in NorCal was at a nadir; but, at the same time the
area was producing a bumper crop of super-hot junior riders. In '73
NorCal fielded 5 of 6 riders for the Jr. Worlds Cycling team, which
competed in Denmark that year. The action heated when that enigmatic
rider from Monterey, CA -John Tevis - attacked half-way through the
30 lap race; he was joined by another senior, "Wildman"
Gary Fisher and two juniors; "Kamikaze" Keith Vierra and
Steve "The Birdman" Lundgren. This quartet gradually worked
a 60 second advantage over the peloton. The contrast between the young
riders in the lead group and their senior counterparts in the bunch
was startling: lap after lap Lundgren twid dled his bird-thin body
up the Court House Hill in what appeared to be ef fortless ease, while
a minute later the senior pack would struggle and slug their way in
an inebriated-like stupor. Lundgren attacked on the hill the last
time up, but was contained. Fisher made his move in the same time-honored
spot by going to the front at the crest with hopes he could get through
the Pine Street corner first. But, it was Kamikaze Vierra, fly ing
by in an amazing burst of speed and working his brakes so that he
just made the corner. And that was that: Vierra became the first junior
to win the Nevada City Bicycle Classic with Fisher and Lundgren close
behind and Tevis slightly detached.
1974: WILD
GETS THE BIRD
This was the weirdest
race yet- one that Canadian Bill Wild will never forget. Wild Bill-
shooting for his se cond win- made the key move 2/3 way through the
race when legs were beginning to feel heavy and the ma jority of the
riders (12 of 50 starters) only had ambitions of hanging on. Wild
displayed his great experience and preparation by launching a devastating
attack. Only Ed Parrot, a top New York cyclist now living in Salt
Lake City, could answer, and the race for 1-2 was decided. Each lap
Wild dragged Parrot around the course as they gained 5 seconds per
lap. Though Wild was doing all the pulling, in fairness to Parrot
the course is one that minimizes the need for trading pace. Wild Bill
beat the "wheelsucker" through The Turn on the last lap,
and stormed up the hill for the apparent win. But, to the astonishment
of everyone, Wild's legs locked in a muscle-wrenching cramp just 30
meters from the finish line, and he uncontrollably thrashed to the
ground. A stunned, but obviously elated, Parrot slinked by to win.
1975: DAVIS
LOSES IN HEART-BREAKER
Does the Nevada
City bicycle Classic have a jinx of its very own? After '75 Don Davis
could be excused in thinking so. With only 8 laps to go the local
hero bolted from the field to the thunderous cheers of 6, 000 spec
tators. Four laps to go he had a hefty 17 second lead, but with the
ten man chase group applying relentless pressure, his lead began to
shrink. Nonetheless, at the bell Davis still had a 7 second bulge
- a tough margin to make up on the narrow streets. Sensing that a
local was finally going to win, the fans went crazy. Then Bill Wild
uncorked an effort that is unparalleled in the history of the race.
The Canadian knew he had to make up the deficit on the uphill section,
so he rocketed up Court House Hill in an all-out, kilometer type effort.
When he reached a star tled Davis at the top, Wild- who was wearing
dark sunglasses- looked at Don with nonchalant disdain. Don Davis
was so shocked and devastated, he put his hands on the top of the
handlebars, and watched "Wild Bill" motor down Broad Street.
Unbeknownst to Davis was the fact the Canadian was totally gassed
from his effort. Years later Wild admitted, "If Don had counter-attacked,
I couldn't have responded because I was in oxygen debt. I was totally
wiped out, so I tried to psyche him out by looking like I ws fresh
as a daisy."
1976: PRINGLE
WINS A HO-HUMMER
After five consecutive
breath taking finishes, a Seattle youth by the name of Mark Pringle
entered the race for the first time and won in a cake-walk. Pringle,
just back from Lake Saranac, NY, where he barely missed making the
Olympic team (he was first alternate!, broke away half way through
the 40 lap, 65km race. Only 34 year old Tim Kelly-himself an Olympic
team member (1968~ and who placed 2nd at Nevada City way back in '64-
was able to stay with the 19 year old Washingtonian. But, Kel ly didn't
have it in his legs, and so Pringle was left on his own to enjoy the
day along with 7,000 enthusiastic fans. Pringle finished a minute
up, and Larry Malone passed Kelly to take se cond place.
1977: MILLER
IS CLOSE
'77 gave the imprimatur
to The Nevada City Jinx, wherein a local is fated not to win. Don
Davis near misses ('71, '71, and'75~ were oh-so close, but nothing
compared to the '77 finish in which Ron Miller literally snatched
defeat from the jaws of vic tory. The tone of this year's race was
set early as Miller, a comparatively unknown rider, scooped up every
prime and participated in no less than six breaks. His task was made
a bit easier when last year's winner Mark Pringle, didn't have the
chance to rest the upstart as an errant bug lodged in his eye on lap
4, forcing him to drop out. The decisive move was made by a teammate
of Miller's, Rick Baldwin, who jammed the hill on lap 30 lof 40~.
Miller was quick to respond as was Colorado ace Bob Cook. The field
did not acquiesce and immediately ap plied pressure, but a 4-man crash
in the middle of the 18-man group broke their rhythm, as well as their
spirit. Durning this time Miller and Baldwin alternatively began to
work over Cook, but to no avail as the latter did not bend, let alone
crack. In fact the incessant attacks got more to Baldwin, who came
off twice. On bell lap the throng roared for Miller to capture the
victory that was deservedly his. Miller reacted to the thunderous
cheer from the 8,00 spec tators as if he had been zapped by 1000 volts
- he attacked and even Cook could not meet the pressure. Miller managed
a slight lOm. lead and on the undulating back stretch he increased
the tempo still further. When he hit the descent, Miller was clear
by 25m. When the crowd saw him screaming down the hill with vi sions
of the first hometown boy to win the Classic of American classics,
they went bezerko. Miller didn't ease up: he shot through The Turn
with the same speed and flair as he had the previous 39 times. But,
this time he lost it. In the apex of the corner he hit, what he thought
was a grease spot. He skidd ed out of his line, slammed into the haybales
with such force that his toe straps seared open wounds on his in steps,
and he ricocheted to the asphalt. His bike careened crazily in to
the middle of the street. Baldwin, who an instant before, had reconciled
himself to fighting for second place, now had the door unex pectedly
opened: he finished first several meters ahead of Cook. Larry Shields,
at 1 minute, finished 3rd. The storybook ending didn't hap pen. But,
don't feel sorry for Ron Miller: he put on one helluva show and loved
every minute of it.
1978: NEVADA
CITY GETS COOK-ED
The '78 edition
was a straight forward affair. When Bob Cook, the Colorado ace who
the day before had won his state's road title, made his bid at the
l/4-mark, the outcome of the race was never questioned. Cook's at
tack quickly earned him a 15 second lead, and on the ensuing laps
the Pride of the Rockies snatched an ad ditional 25 seconds from the
flagging field. Cook lapped the field with 12 laps remaining for an
easy victory. Placing 2nd was Kent Bostick fol lowed by Ron Miller.
1979-81: THE"RENO
ROCKET" SOARS TO THREE WINS
The 19th Annual
"Classic" saw the emergence of the dominant force in American
Cycling through the change of the decades. Greg LeMond, of Reno, Nevada
was winning everything in sight, including a gold and bronze medal
at the World Championships. He dominated the Nevada City field, becoming
only the second junior ever to win the senior race. Greg did it with
a mid-race tear that quickly dropped the field. Army Lieutenant Bill
Watkins was 2nd, nearly a minute behind the win ner. Cindy Olivarri
began her own string of victories in the Women's division. In 1980,
the record entry of 111 seniors had two things on their minds at the
start of the race; the new longer, tougher 1.13 mile course, and Greg
LeMond. Both took their toll early. The longer course and the 96 degree
heat wilted the racers; all but the "Reno Rocket" that is.
Greg reeled in the field with military-like efficien cy, lapping all
but the top three places by mid-race. Out of the pack, though, came
unknown Toby Power, who raced a nearly solo effort, finally passing
a gassed Keith Vierra in the final laps to take second. The 12,000
fans cheered Toby..Toby at each passing...a star was rising. Cindy
Olivarri took her 2nd consecutive Women's Race, and another name of
the future, Gavin Chilcot, was the class of the underclassmen. Now
sporting the colors of his new employers, the team of World Cham pion
Bernard Hinalt-Renault-Gitane, Greg returned for his final visit to
Nevada City. He saved his best for last. Now racing professionally
in Europe, trips to the U.S. were rare, so Greg used this one to decimate
the classiest field ever assembled on the West Coast in front of 17,500
fans. Greg took off on a test break on the second lap, "and nobody
followed me..." And that was that. He passed Olympic hero Eric
Heiden on the 15th lap. Asked if Greg said anything as he applied
the lap, Heiden later commented, "I don't know, he went by too
fast." But the race didn't lack for excite ment. A searing last
lap spring saw Greg Demgen eek out his 2nd pla ce over Wayne Stetina.
However, most of those who attended the race went home thinking 2nd
place went to Tom Schuler, another member of the 7-Eleven Cycling
Team. Seems Schuler stayed home to nurse a sore leg and teammate Demgen
appeared at registration and claimed his number. Nobody told either
the radio broadcast team or the public address announcer.
1982: TOBY...TOBY...
Throughout the
first 21 years of the "Classic," rarely had there been a
racer who so thoroughly captured the crowd as Toby Power &d in
1980. An unknown, he kayo'd all but the young Jedi, Greg LeMond. Now
back for a second shot, and with Greg absent, we should not have been
surprised; yet still we were when Toby ignited the 20,000+ gathered
around the course. He appeared out of the pack on the third lap and
never looked back. Despite the heroic efforts of Jeff Pierce and a
relative unknown, Glen Sanders, Toby pedalled relentlessly on to a
2:03 second victory. For those who had been here in 1980, there was
the feeling that things had somehow been made right, but for the 103
seniors in the race, there was the feel ing of, "Who was that
guy?" You see, most remember him only as a briefly cooling breeze
as he went by.