THE BIG ONE! ARE YOU UP TO THE TEST?
The CENTO is approximately 110km long and begins at the Paris Fairgrounds in Paris, Ontario. CENTO means "one hundred" in Italian, which is the approximate distance of this race. It is
derived from Latin meaning a patchwork, like a quilt or jacket, or in
our case a patchwork of roads, trails, farms etc. We had very positive feedback from the 2022 event. Racers enjoyed the new roads, new hills and new trails, and the longer distance of about 100KM. We've done some tinkering with the course and it is somewhat longer now, subject to course conditions next April. Old faves such as the McIntyre/Nixon Rail Line are still in it. So is the mud of Luna Adventures and the forest of The Prengerlaan. More mud at Mineral Springs Road Mud Chute and then to the mud pit of all time - the Powerline Road Mudslide. Just when you think you've made it you're hit with the equally legendary climb up Old Martin Road. You're only 3km from the finish but it is steep, rutted, wet and you're tired. If you can stay on your bike for the whole climb you're good. Even overall winners have had to run up this climb in the past. Challenge yourself on this true epic!
Be prepared! Event goes rain or snow or shine! Bring appropriate tools, a rain jacket and gloves. Helmets are mandatory.
What's with the new names BRÈVE, CLASSIC, and CENTO? In the past we have referred to the events according to their approximate distance - 45K, 70K or 100K. But accuracy has never been our strong point. New routes, availability of private property and last minute weather re-routes have always meant the distance varied somewhat from advertised - part of the history of the event. In 2022 a last minute reroute of a private land section, due to COVID protocols, resulted in the CLASSIC 70K course being approx. 58K! Thus the new names. At the same time, we will endeavour to keep the courses as close to their advertised distances as possible.
Below you will find the Elevation Profile for the 2023 P2A Cento. This is the ideal course we have planned. It can change up to and including Race Day depending upon spring conditions. It is 112.5K long, has 896m of climbing and is 65% unpaved surface (stripes). Many will know this plot is from Ridewithgps. Will we release the route for download? We don't know at this time. P2A is concerned about trespassing on the private property that makes the race what it is. If racers behave with respect to private property we will release the route. It only takes a couple of bad actors to mess things up for us and the others participating. If we do release it, it will be very close to race day.
CLICK ON THE ELEVATION PROFILE BELOW TO VIEW A LARGER VERSION
Categories
You are placed into a category based on age as of Dec 31/23.
Please note that all of the following categories can be raced either as the Canadian National Gravel Championships (license required) or as the P2A!
| race categories |
| When you register you will be given an option to race in any of these age groups either for the Canadian Gravel Championships or for the P2A. To race for the Championship you will need a race license to register which will be verified at race kit pickup. |
| Junior 17-18 | Elite Open 19+ |
| 35-44 |
| 45-54 |
| 55-64 |
| 65+ |
Plate/kit pick up
You must go to Ancaster on Saturday to pick up your plate - they are not available in Paris!
Registration and Number Pick Up is only available at Ancaster on
Saturday, April 29 2023 - 10am to 5pm @ Ancaster Community Center/Robert E. Wade Community Park, Ancaster Ontario. LINK TO ANCASTER RACE HQ MAP
IMPORTANT - Plate Pick-up on Saturday Only for the P2A CENTO UNLESS you registered for P2A VIP OR if you are a P2A Convenience Package purchaser.
Otherwise you need to be there on Saturday in person or have a friend pick-up for you. You will need to show your ID in order to pick up your own kit. Friends will need to show an email from you indicating that they in fact do have permission to pick it up and they will need to show ID. While you are getting your kit come & browse the P2A Expo!!
P2A CENTO Start Time - 8AM
START 1 - 8AM
- 2023 CANADIAN GRAVEL CHAMPIONSHIP CATEGORIES
- VIPs
- NON-CHAMPIONSHIP FAST RIDERS - you will be racing alongside those vying for the Canadian Gravel Championships -
All ages subject to the following criteria:
• UCI racing license
• Provincial race license
• USA Cycling domestic license
• Foreign license
• or Top 250 overall of the 2022 P2A CENTO (P2A100).
START 2 - 8:05AM - This start will be for everyone else. As per last year there will be different start pens to provide some separation. Slower riders should stage near the back of the start corral. This is self policed.
Depart from Paris Fairgrounds, Paris LINK TO PARIS FAIRGROUNDS MAP
P2A CENTO DESCRIPTIONS AND QUALIFYING CRITERIA
These are open categories based on age groupings.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER - Please be truthful to yourself as you answer these questions.
CAN YOU RACE 100KM? CAN YOU RACE 100KM IN APRIL WHEN YOU HAVEN'T HAD THAT MUCH SADDLE TIME?
ARE YOU PREPARED TO BE PULLED FROM THE COURSE IF YOU ARE TOO SLOW (SEE BELOW)?
If you are in doubt on any of these, then it is likely best to register in the shorter P2A CLASSIC or the P2A BRÈVE this year and try the P2A CENTO in the future.
P2A CENTO CUT OFF TIMES
See our FAQ page for details - Race course will close at pro-rated times at four points. If you're late you will not be permitted to continue. There will be a shuttle provided to take you and your bike to the finish. For this reason we would recommend that inexperienced or first time participants tackle the P2A BRÈVE race the first year, prior to attempting the P2A CENTO (or P2A CLASSIC) in a future year.
 |
THE P2A VIP - THE PRO EXPERIENCE If you're interested in something truly special then register for the P2A VIP - The Pro Experience. The P2A VIP includes services usually reserved for professional cyclists or Olympians. Space is limited - reserve today! CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE P2A VIP BENEFITS & DETAILS! |
AWARDS
Award Ceremonies are at 3pm on race day at the Ancaster Community Center/Robert E. Wade Community Park. You or a representative must be in attendance to get your medal/prize. Medals/prizes will not be mailed.
COURSE PRE-RIDING
We have an assortment of legal pre-ride course maps, without private property, available under our MAPS button. Please be aware that much is weather dependent and these routes may or may not be useable. April 2023 is a long way off.
Aero position handlebar extensions are prohibited
The P2A is a mass start race. You must have your hands near your brakes. Aero bars/extensions are not permitted on either drop bars or flat bars. Bar ends are permitted on flat bars (ie. mountain bike bars) only. If you are found to be using aero bars/extensions you will disqualified and/or excluded from the results.
Earbuds or headphones are prohibited
You need to be able to hear instructions in case of an emergency situation.
REGISTRATION
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE REGISTERING
There is no plate pick-up on Race Day. There are no refunds once you register. There are no rainchecks. All number/kit pick up is at the Ancaster Community Center unless you have purchased P2A VIP or the P2A Convenience Package.
The P2A CENTO Start is at the Paris Fairgrounds, Paris. A nominal charge will be made for start area parking, with monies going to a local charity. Riders are encouraged to carpool. See the link on the Navigation Bar for MAPS to Ancaster and Paris.
TRANSPORTATION - CLICK HERE
The P2A is a point to point event. We have some options to move you and your bike.
P2A CONVENIENCE PACKAGE - MAKING IT EASIER ON RACE DAY!
The $60 P2A Convenience Package Includes:
- Race Day Number Pickup
- Pre-Race Bus and Bike transfer to start line
- Access to Start Line VIP area
- Breakfast before race
Note:- Availability of the P2A Convenience Package is limited
2023 Official P2A T-Shirt
CLICK HERE |
REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE P2A CENTO IS $145.
Please Note - All prices are subject to HST and online processing charges |
