Paris to Ancaster 2026: Sunshine, Mud & Strong Results
Ontario’s gravel season continued in unforgettable fashion at the Paris to Ancaster Bicycle Race, welcoming thousands of riders to one of Canada’s most iconic spring classics. While riders were treated to sunny skies on race day, rainfall the day before ensured that the course still delivered the signature mud, grit, and challenge that P2A is known for.
Cento (110 km) – Elite Racing at Its Best
The Cento distance once again showcased top-tier competition, with a tightly contested finish at the front of the race.
- Nick Kleban claimed the overall victory in a blazing time of 3:06:26.
- Tyler Clark and Ethan Powell rounded out the podium, finishing within seconds of the win.
The women’s field also delivered standout performances:
- Elly Moore was the top female finisher, placing 1st in the Junior Women category and 54th overall with a strong time of 3:24:47.
- Julia Lehmann delivered a podium-worthy ride, finishing 2nd in the Junior Women category with a time of 3:25:34 in the Cento distance.
- Clare Hauber delivered a standout ride with a time of 3:41:18, finishing 3rd overall in the Junior Women’s field in a highly competitive race.
These performances highlight the strength and depth of Ontario’s emerging female athletes, with youth and junior riders making a significant impact across multiple race distances.
Classic (70 km) – Fast, Deep Fields
The Classic distance saw the largest field of the day, highlighting both depth and accessibility.
- Tom Lawson took the overall win in 2:01:39, leading a fast and competitive race.
- Simon Wagler and Andrew Lambert completed the podium.
Among the standout performances:
- Anna Christensen delivered an outstanding ride, finishing 1st in the Women 16–19 category and 1st female overall, placing 9th overall with a time of 2:08:30.
- Hannah Lehmann captured 1st inthe Girls 11–15 category (2nd female overall) with a strong time of 2:08:36, continuing a dominant showing for the Lehmann family across distances.
- Nicole Haviland put in a strong performance to finish 2nd in the Girls 11–15 category and 3rd female overall, crossing the line in 2:09:12.
Breve (45 km) – Speed Meets Participation
The Breve distance brought high energy and strong participation, offering a fast and exciting introduction to gravel racing.
- Cole Butcher led the field, taking the win in 1:32:36.
- Close behind was father and son duo, Isaac and Mike Aston, showcasing impressive depth across categories.
Notably, riders across a wide range of age groups, including youth categories delivered standout performances, reflecting the event’s inclusive appeal.
From elite racers to first-time participants, Paris to Ancaster once again embodied the spirit of gravel racing with challenging conditions, strong community, and unforgettable experiences. The mix of sunshine and lingering mud made for classic P2A conditions, testing riders’ skill, resilience, and determination from start to finish.
With strong participation across all distances and categories, the 2026 edition proved once again why Paris to Ancaster remains a cornerstone of the Canadian cycling calendar.
