April 4/09 9:18 am - The Paris to Ancaster Adds More Pros

Posted by Editoress on 04/4/09
 

Canada’s spring cycling classic, Paris to Ancaster, is becoming more competitive daily. The latest additions to the start list are Jelly Belly professional Jeremy Powers and Planet Energy’s Mark Batty.


The 24 year old Powers from Boston, Massachusetts is making his debut in the race, but will immediately jump to the top of the list of race favorites due to his strong cyclocross results . He won six races in 2008, including the Toronto international cyclocross and is a 5 time member of the United States national team. “The Jelly Belly professional team is the longest team running sponsorship in North American cycling, and their presence at Paris Ancaster is a milestone for the race”, said race director John Thorpe.

Canada’s only professional road team, Planet Energy, will be well represented by 23 year old Mark Batty, the 2007 National U23 Cyclocross champion. There may be a little sibling rivalry at stake for Mark, as his sister, Emily, won the race in 2005. Canada’s legendary Tour de France rider, classics specialist and Olympic medalist , Steve Bauer is the owner/director of the team and no doubt expecting great things to come from his young talent. Batty is currently racing in the Tour of Uruguay, and will come to the start line in Paris with some great early season racing in his legs.

Powers and Batty join the already confirmed Mike Garrigan (Jetpower, 2008 Canadian national cyclocross champion) Mike Simmonsen (Trek, 2 time winner of P2A), Kyle Fry,( MCORE p/b Midweek, 2009 Canadian world championship team member) and Kyle Douglas (3 Roxracing, 2006 Canadian National U23 champion).

The womens’ field will be keeping all eyes on Alison Sydor, (Rocky Mountain Bicycles). The 3 time world cross country champion and Olympic silver medalist cemented her status as favorite with a recent victory in the 8 day Absa Cape Epic in South Africa. Currently back home in British Columbia, Sydor will be swapping her MTB for a cyclocross bike before coming east to challenge for the win. Hamiltonian Sue Palmer, (Mazur coaching) the defending champion has also confirmed her intention to win for a third time.

The P2A race is a 60km mix of paved roads, farm lanes, rail trails and single track. The race route evolves a little bit each year but major features and the overall mix of terrain remains the same. This year, six new landowners are generously allowing the use of their farmland and lanes to add some new twists and turns to the race experience. The 2009 course will have less paved road and more variety than ever before! With 1000 riders already registered, and 1800 expected by race day, the 16th edition of Paris to Ancaster is shaping up to be another epic ride for everyone from casual cyclists to Olympians.

Race details and entry information is available at www.parisancaster.com