March 12/09 23:11 pm - Alison Sydor to Race Paris-Ancaster

Posted by Editor on 03/12/09
 

Canadian cycling legend Alison Sydor (Rocky Mountain Bicycles) has confirmed her participation in Canada's biggest cycling race. The three time world champion and Olympic silver medalist will be making her debut in the 16th edition of the Fuji Bicycles Paris to Ancaster Bicycle race in southern Ontario.

The 60 km point to point route features the regions roughest roads, abandoned rail lines, farm lanes and single track trails, along with the largest field of competitors assembled in Canada. Taking place on Sunday April 19th, the Paris to Ancaster race is the (un)official season opener for the racing season in Ontario.

While Alison Sydor brings an unrivalled resume of international success to the race, seasoned national team veteran Sue Palmer-Komar (Mazurcoaching.com) of Hamilton, On, and the defending P2A champion will be at somewhat of an advantage, with local course knowledge and experience on her side. Should either of them fail to bring their "A" game, the 2008 runner up, 25 year old Melissa Bunn (The Hub Race team) from Cambridge, will be ready to climb to the top step of the podium.

On the men's side, the only male two time winner of the P2A ('05, '06) will be aiming to complete the hat trick after a two year absence. Hailing from Oxford, Michigan, Michael Simonson (Gary Fisher Bicycles) has won two of America's biggest races, The Ore to Shore (three times) and the Iceman Cometh (once), and finished in the top ten of the American ultra endurance national series. At 29 years of age, and under the guidance of a new coach this season, Simonson will be marked by all the contenders.

Leading the Canadian challenge will be 2008 National Cyclocross Champion and Ontario Provincial team coach Mike Garrigan (Team Jetpower), who was second to Simonson in 2005. His coach's eye for talent identification may be blurred by two youngsters from the Canadian National Cyclocross team.

Twenty year old Kyle Fry (MCORE/Midweek) of Pass Lake Ontario, bronze medalist at the Under 23 National cyclo cross championships will be challenged by another future star - twenty three year old Kyle Douglas, (3Rox racing) of Ashburn, Ontario brings not only his bronze medal in the 2008 national Under 23 championship, but a National Cyclocross title in 2006 to the party. His previous best finish of sixth in the P2A looks to be supplanted in 2009.

Paris to Ancaster race details can be found at www.parisancaster.com. 1800+ riders are expected.