This popular photo from April, 1976 appeared on the cover of Arizona Cycling in June of that year. It was the final sprint in the final stage of the Mount Lemmon Stage Race; a criterium in downtown Tucson. It was popular because it showed the intense rivalry between three of Arizona’s top cyclists, a rivalry that lasted throughout the 1970′s and which resulted in many exciting and sometimes controversial races. The G.C. had already been determined and the riders needed only to finish with the gruppo. But the three came out of the pack and sprinted for the stage just to try
and out do the other. The riders, best known for their specialties, are from Left: Russell Mallams, Flagstaff (Time Trialing/Breakaways/Pursuiting), Center: Tom Nesdill, Phoenix (Road Racing/Hill Climbing), and Right: Alan Johnson, Phoenix (Criteriums/Sprinting). Notice the hairnet helmets, toe clips and straps, and brake
cables.

The Cat 1&2 final results were as follows. Perhaps some of your readers will remember some of these names and teams.
1. Bob Cook, Hammer-Cool Gear
2. Tom Nesdill, CCC (Phoenix Consumers Cycling Club)
3. David Lash, PRP
4. Andy Zollar, T.W. (Tucson Wheelmen)
5. Barry Smith, T.W.
6. Eric Madson, Aspen, Monte of Italy
7. Russell Mallams, CAS
8. Alan Johnson, Montrose-Suntour Nishiki
9. Ralph Phillips, PRP
10. Tom Kelly, PRP

Bob Cook and Andy Zollar each went on to win the La Vuelta de Bisbee, considered the most difficult stage race in North America at the time. Bob Cook was a Colorado native who studied engineering at the UofA and who raced in Arizona during the school year. He was considered by many to be the best pure climber in the U.S. He, unfortunately, died at the young age of 21, I’m told, and the Mount Hood Classic in Colorado is named in his memory. The only rider on the list to remain active in cycling throughout his life, that I know of, is Ralph Phillips. Ralph was a top road racer who is well known in the Tucson area for his support of the sport as a promoter and business owner. Perhaps your readers may know if any of the others are still riding their bikes??

-Alan Johnson

The photo as seen on the cover of Arizona Cycling, June 1976.