Paris to Ancaster bike race draws 3,200 riders despite cool, wet conditions

Under light rain and cool temperatures early Sunday morning, more than 3,200 cyclists competed in the 29th Paris to Ancaster (P2A) bike race.

The race was also selected to host the inaugural Canadian Gravel Championships, drawing entrants from across Canada.

“Gravel is the new discipline in cycling where mountain biking and road racing meet,” said race co-organizer Tim Farrar. “The popularity of that kind of riding has just sky-rocketed over the last 10 to 15 years, primarily because it’s fun riding on quiet, country roads.”

He said a typical gravel bike looks like a road racing bike with drop handlebar, but with fatter tires.

The P2A offers four different races of varying lengths: the Cento at 110 kilometers starting in Paris; the Classic at 70 kilometers beginning in Cambridge; a 45-kilometre Breve race starting in St. George; and a non-competitive Family Ride of 20 kilometers in the Ancaster area that’s designed for families, beginners, and those looking for a less grueling ride.

Roland Fletcher of Toronto was among several hundred riders taking part in the 110-kilometre Cento race that departed the Paris Fairgrounds at 8 am

“I’m looking forward to trying something new, and this is a Canadian classic, so I just wanted to get the experience,” said the 39-year-old cyclist. “

Fletcher said he has been road cycling since 2018, but gravel cycling is relatively new, and this was his first entry into the P2A.

“I’ve heard that it gets a bit technical, a bit muddy, plus we’ve had rain for the last couple of days so it’ll be extra muddy, which should add to the fun,” he said.

His wife Sandra Fletcher is part of the five-member Saddle Sisters of Hyde Park.

“It’s my first time, and I’m terrified,” she shared, standing alongside riding partner Robin Hughes as the pair readied themselves for the 110-km trek. “Robin was very into this last year, and seeing all the pictures, it looked like such a great time. So, I decided to try the challenge this year.

“I like the community. Everyone knows one another, are really friendly, and positive.”

Staff Sgt. Jason McTaggart, operations manager for the County of Brant OPP, said 30 uniformed members were placed at strategic locations throughout the county.

“Based on the route for the cyclists (our role is) to ensure traffic safety and cyclist safety as they approach those intersections,” he noted. “They’re taking a proactive role to ensure everybody gets to their destination without any issues along the way.”

McTaggart noted that OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique was taking part in the 110-km Cento race on Sunday.

“It’s a personal challenge for himself. He’s an avid cyclist.”

Farrar estimated the fastest riders would finish the Cento course in about three hours and 15 minutes, depending on course conditions.

“It’s not just the conditions on the road, which gets worse because it’s muddy, but it’s also about keeping warm and keeping fueled,” he observed. “It’s cool enough that on a wet day there are temperature safety issues, so the riders have to be prepared, have their rain gear, and be ready for a long, wet day.”

Farrar said the course is flat compared to a lot of other races, but in Ontario it’s considered a rolling course.

“Generally, we have a favorable tail wind, while our worst climbing is at the very end of the race,” he said. “There’s a couple of closed road allowances which have been nicknamed mud chutes because the riders hit them at speed. These two sections are downhill, so they slip and slide. It’s fun to watch.”

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