Media Advisory: There are New Riders in Town - Researchers and Patients Take on the Challenge of Paris to Ancaster: A Ride for Research

HAMILTON, ON, April 21, 2016 /CNW/ - On Sunday, April 24th, Olympians, avid cyclists, weekend warriors, researchers, patients and families alike will take part in Canada's spring cycling classic, Paris to Ancaster: A Ride for Research. Whether biking the traditional 70k, 40k or the newer 20k family-friendly route, every road trekked, every hill conquered and every puddle splashed will, for the first time, support groundbreaking research studies at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Rheumatologist, researcher, and avid cyclist, Dr. Maggie Larché, is leading Team Scleroderma Research, a St. Joe's team of physicians, students, researchers, family and friends, all raising funds for Scleroderma research.  Over 350 people in Hamilton are impacted by Scleroderma, a devastating chronic illness with no cure and only moderate treatment options available.  That is why Dr. Larché and team will divide between the 70k, 40k and the family-friendly 20k ride for a little mud and a lot of fun all while fundraising in support of Scleroderma research at St. Joe's. 

Sera Filice-Armenio, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, will be riding to the finish line of the 20k route to check-in on fundraising progress during the inaugural year of partnership between St. Joe's and Paris to Ancaster.  All funds raised will support research into diseases like Scleroderma, mental health and addiction, and diseases of the lung, chest and kidneys, to name a few. 

Paris to Ancaster race director, John Thorpe, is keen to see who will master the terrain in the 23^rd edition of the race.  World-class cyclists, including 17-year-old Under 23 Women's Canadian Cyclocross Champion and Dundas, Ontario native, Ruby West, will tackle the 70k. 

Though registration for the 70k and 40k races is at capacity, the community is invited to come out on race day and join the 20k family ride, suited to most ages and abilities. Register at the Expo on Saturday, April 23^rd or at the 20k start line the morning of the ride. Visit www.parisancaster.com for ride information and www.stjoesfoundation.ca/2016P2AFundraising for fundraising information.

What:	Canada's spring cycling classic, the Paris to Ancaster: A Ride for Research
When:	Sunday, April 24, 2016 70k at 9:45 a.m. / 40k at 11:30 a.m. / 20k at 9:30 a.m.
Where:	70k from the Green Lane Sports Park, 8 Green Lane, Paris ON
	40k from the South Dumfries Community Centre, 7 Gaukel Drive, St. George ON
	20k from Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, 100 Panabaker Drive, Ancaster ON
	All routes finish at the Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road W, Ancaster ON
Who:	Dr. Maggie Larché, captain of Team Scleroderma Research
	Sera Filice-Armenio, President and CEO, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation
	John Thorpe, Race Director, Paris to Ancaster: A Ride for Research
	Ruby West, Dundas, Ontario native and U23 Women's Canadian Cyclocross Champion
	More than 2,300 cyclists of all ages and abilities, and race winners

SOURCE St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation

Image with caption: "Paris to Ancaster: A Ride for Research in Support of St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation. (CNW Group/St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160421_C8560_PHOTO_EN_671660.jpg

Maria Hayes, Communications Specialist, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 905.522.1155 ext. 33506, [email protected]; Laura Pagnotta, Director, Marketing & Communications, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, 905.522.1155 ext. 35986, or cell: 905-379-3509, [email protected]