Jelly Belly, Planet Energy, Rocky Mountain confirm for Canada’s spring classic on April 19
in
(Tim Farrar - April 3rd)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.
Powers, 24 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 Uraguay, 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 (3roxracing, 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
competitive daily. The latest additions to the start list are Jelly Belly
professional Jeremy Powers and Planet Energy’s Mark Batty.
Powers, 24 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 Uraguay, 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 (3roxracing, 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
