Race History
The Joe Martin Stage Race began as the Fayetteville Spring Classic in 1978. Joe Martin served as the race director until 1988 when he was stricken with cancer. Upon his death in 1989, the race was renamed in his honor. Since then, the Joe Martin Stage Race has grown into one of the top UCI and amateur stage races in the nation. The amateur race is the oldest stage race in the US.
Click here for an early photo of Joe Martin (on the left) who is pictured with Eddy Merckx & Span Wilson at the 1982 Coors Classic in Boulder, Colorado. And if you didn't notice, take note of Joe's legs compared to his idol, Eddy. Joe was an exceptional cyclist!
The race is now promoted and directed by All Sports Productions, Inc., a sports event management company, along with the Fayetteville Wheelmen / Experience Fayetteville cycling team.
