The record of 57:41 for the Mt. Washington Bicycle Hillclimb seemed pretty solid. Former U.S. National Cycling Champion and U.S. Olympic team member Dale Stetina set it in 1980 on a rare near perfect day on the mountain. What the heck! For the race’s 25th anniversary, let’s offer a car as a prize and see if anyone can break the record, race organizers agreed last year.

Ha! With a repeat of near perfect weather and the Audi A4 prize, offered by Audi, the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and Tin Mountain Conservation Center, the nonprofit beneficiary of the race, as incentive, U.S. Postal Service pro Tyler Hamilton shattered the record with a stunning climb of 51 minutes, 56 seconds on Saturday, Aug. 23, 1997.

Hamilton, of Marblehead, Mass., was not alone in breaking the record. In fact, three racers did. Michael Engelman of Hesperus, Colo., a pro on the Navigators’ team, posted a time of 53:53. Michael Carter of Niwot, Colo., and the One Plus pro team, made the 7.6 mile climb in 56:44.

Marilyn Ruseckas of Warren, Vt., broke her own women’s record in 1:11:38. Remarkably, the defending champion was riding a mountain bike when she broke the standing women’s record of 1:14:23 in 1996, posting a 1:14:19. In the 97 race, riding a light Seven road bike, she bettered that by three minutes and finished 36th overall in the field of 400. Her performance was recognized with a $1,000 check.

Hamilton dominated the race almost from the start, but it was not for lack of competition. Engleman, a five time winner of the Mt. Evans Hillclimb, is an accomplished pro with a reputation as a great climber. He was joined by Navigators’ teammate Scott Moninger of Boulder and Saturn Pro Racing team member Frank McCormick of Leicester, MA.

Hamilton tested his challengers at the 1.5 mile mark, and by the two mile post, he had left three of the country’s best climbers behind. At that point, other competitors said later, they knew Hamilton was too strong, that they , too, might break the record, but they were not going to claim the prize.

The winner reached the three mile post in 17:09, was at the five mile mark in 39:26, and at seven in 47:16. He did not, however, claim that the ride was an easy one. The 6,288 foot summit may be shorter than some, but whatever it lacks in height, it makes up in steepness.

Fresh from competing in the Tour de France, Hamilton later told Ride Magazine’s Karen Haas that mile for mile, Mt. Washington was tougher than the tour’s Alpe d’ Huez.

It was an exciting day, too, for the 400 other racers, ages 13 -75. Once in a lifetime weather and Hamilton's showing must have added a little inspiration. A number of records fell (see related story) and a number of returning racers reported personal bests.

Over 80 volunteers and ham radio operators made the day go smoothly, helping with communications, medical services, registration, meals and more.

Thanks, too, to the sponsoring Mt. Washington Auto Road, Audi of America, Great Glen Trails, American Airlines, Red Jersey Cyclery, American Express, MWV Chamber of Commerce, and Citizens Banks. Also, Red Parka Pub, Stoneyfield Farms, Thompson House Eatery, Wildcat Tavern, Abbott’s Dairy, Chuck Roast, Jogalite, and Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop.