Gallery: Sun shines on a beautiful edition of Paris to Ancaster

Canada's Spring Classic dishes up beautiful sunshine as the elite's rip up the mixed-surface race

Philippe Tremblay April 29, 2019

The 26th edition of Paris to Ancaster took place on Sunday as over 2,500 riders line-up for the 70 km, 40 km and family rides that are part of the event. The elite field was stacked with UCI Continental racers, pro cyclocrossers and world-class mountain bikers.

It was a beautiful morning for the 26th edition of Canada's Spring Classic, Paris to Ancaster. Photo: Lauren Daniells

The elite riders eagerly await the start. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Ober 2,500 riders took part in the 2019 Paris to Ancaster. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Wave after wave of starters line-up in Paris OntarioPhoto: Lauren Daniells

After 70 km of tough mixed surface riding that included the infamous mud slides, riders had to climb a brutally steep final hill. Photo: Lauren Daniells

While there are big intense rides for those up for the ultimate challenge, there were also family friendly options. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Photo: Lauren Daniells

The mud slide took it's toll. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Participants feet were bound to get muddy. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Photo: Lauren Daniells

Peter Disera (Norco Factory Team) won the men's race narrowly edging out William Elliott (X Speed United). Photo: Lauren Daniells

Winner of the last three editions Gunnar Holmgren finished eighth after a mechanical. Photo: Lauren Daniells

The 2019 field was the strongest yet with plenty of UCI Continental teams represented. Here is X Speed United's Ryan Roth. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Photo: Lauren Daniells

Ruby West finished fourth in the women's field. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Some riders opt to dismount to navigate the speed final inclines of the race. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Photo: Lauren Daniells

P2A can be ridden on a variety of different bikes with some even doing it on a tandem. Photo: Lauren Daniells

Photo: Lauren Daniells

It was a duo of Canadian mountain bikers who triumphed on the day with Peter Disera (Norco Factory Team) narrowly edging out X Speed United’s William Elliot in the men’s race. Jenn Jackson (AWI Racing) had an incredible ride to win the women’s race by over 9 minutes and despite a mechanical late in the race crossed the line in 21st overall.

On the final steep climb in Ancaster, family members and friends lined the course to cheer on the riders who climbed, cramped and slowly crawled to the finish line. At the top, everyone caught their breaths and shared stories from another memorable ride at Canada’s spring classic.