Fitchburg Stage Race July, 1991 Masters 35
Road Race: Stage 1 Mt. Wachusetts Road Race, climbing with confidence, Mark led the way to the top (freshly paved) of Mt. Wachusetts to win the opening stage of the three day race. The few that remained couldn't answer Hagen's repeated surges to the top. Uncontested Mark soloed to victory and the yellow jersey. Nemrt's Jim Bowen finished the day an outstanding 7th place.
Circuit Race: Stage 2 the Ashby Circuit Race was largely uneventful and more a test of nerves and positioning than flat out speed. Narrow roads and skittish riders kept the adrenaline flowing. The finish was curb to curb, downhill as the field approached the final 90 degree turn and 100 meters to the line. Jim sprinted and lead through the corner but couldn't hold the lead finishing in 11th place. Hagen came through the corner mid-pack and passed all but two taking third place and retained the overall lead.
Longsjo Criterium: Stage 3, the annual Longsjo Crit. was again a barn burner for the entire 15 miles. With 5 laps to go, a $50 preme got some major attention. Hagen and the other leaders countered the preme winner and rode away, only to be caught with 2 laps to go. Wasting no time Stowe's Jack Nash lead out his third place rider Jim Rustico. Brad Knipes (Douglas/nerm) followed Nash and launched his own attack. Through the last corner Knipes was closely followed by Rustico and Willard. At the line Knipe pulled out the win, Rustico second, and Willard third. Mark flew in fourth on the day and first overall for the stage race.