RBC GranFondo Whistler, Canada's largest mass cycling event, set for
Vancouver on Sept. 11

VANCOUVER, Sept. 1 /CNW/ - 2010 RBC GranFondo Whistler cycling event offers unique challenge, spectacular setting for 4,000 cyclists; temporary traffic and parking modifications in effect on course route.

The inaugural RBC GranFondo Whistler will bring together 4,000 cyclists of all ages (19 +) and abilities in an epic journey that will bring them from beautiful downtown Vancouver, along the world's most scenic coastal mountain highway (Highway 99), through picturesque Squamish and on to a breathtaking finish in the bustling, natural playground of Whistler.

Gran Fondos, loosely translated from Italian as "big ride," are a European cycling tradition. Much like a marathon, in which a group of elite, licensed riders lead the pack and compete for first place, these events help to make the lore, pageantry and mythology of cycling accessible to the "everyday" rider, and attract a large contingent of recreational participants who want to tackle a challenging distance.

Responding to strong interest by participants (the ride filled its participant quota just three months after registration opened, six months in advance of the event date) The RBC GranFondo Whistler is poised to double in size in future years, thanks in no small part to the support of founding partner RBC.

"When Canada's most trusted brand added their name to the event, it gave us a tremendous level of credibility as a first time endeavour. RBC is a corporate community leader who recognizes the value and opportunity that GranFondo offers cyclists and cycling enthusiasts," said Neil McKinnon, Co-Founder of GranFondo Canada.

"For RBC, the GranFondo is a unique opportunity to showcase the spectacular Sea to Sky highway while highlighting the importance of protecting our precious clean water supplies," said Graham MacLachlan, RBC Regional President, B.C.  "From the overwhelming positive response we've received, it's evident that the RBC GranFondo Whistler is destined to become a world-class event."

Over three years in the making, the RBC GranFondo Whistler will activate an operational strategy that was developed through collaborative planning partnerships with local government, community stakeholders, and transit and security authorities. Traffic management, route operations and emergency services and response plans will provide an effective and flexible foundation that will ensure the safety of participants, event officials and the general public (with an emphasis on motorists.)

"We've been working diligently with stakeholders and communities along the route for three years," added McKinnon. "Participants can expect a dedicated cycling lane the entire route from Vancouver to Whistler and a fully supported cycling experience from start to finish."

The 120 kilometre RBC GranFondo Whistler will begin in a mass start at 7 a.m. in downtown Vancouver, travel over the Lions Gate Bridge and up Taylor Way to Highway 99. The route climbs 2,400 metres and 1,750 metres downhill for a total elevation gain of 650 metres to Whistler. Riders will be supported with multiple aid stations and roving mechanical assistance, with a full rest stop at the halfway point in the town of Squamish.

The ride will finish on Blackcomb Way in Whistler, where post-event celebrations will take place. The finish area will include a stage and live music, a family fun zone, a stretching lounge, massage area, a large bike corral, and a food and beverage lounge.

To keep cyclists, motorists and spectators safe, traffic modifications will be in effect all along the course route. Temporary street closures in key locations (the start, mid-point, and finish areas) will also be necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned. 

Motorists that need to travel on September 11 are advised to plan ahead for potential delays and short duration stoppages.  Highway 99 is open in both directions all day.

Expected hours of peak traffic impact are as follows:
Downtown Vancouver (Burrard Street and West Georgia Street): 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Lions Gate Bridge: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Horseshoe Bay to Squamish: 6:00 AM to 12:00 NOON
Squamish to Whistler: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Whistler Village: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

For current road information, please visit www.drivebc.ca. For questions or comments regarding temporary event related traffic modifications, email us at [email protected] or call us at 604 830 1847. For more information on the RBC GranFondo Whistler, please visit www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com.

About GranFondo Canada
Founded in 2007, GranFondo Canada is an event management group committed to bringing world-class GranFondo experiences to Canada. With a mission of making the RBC GranFondo Whistler the first in a national series, GranFondo Canada will continue to advocate for cycling in all markets it holds events.

About RBC
RBC is recognized among the world's financial, social and environmental leaders and is listed on the 2009-2010 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the DJSI North American Index. RBC has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers, one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, one of Canada's 50 Most Socially Responsible Corporations and one of the Best Workplaces in Canada. RBC is also listed on the Jantzi Social Index, the FTSE4Good Index, and the Canadian Carbon Disclosure Project Leadership Index.   As one of Canada's largest corporate donors, RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2009, RBC contributed more than $105 million to community causes worldwide, through donations of more than $52.6 million, and an additional $52.5 million in sponsorship of community events and national organizations.

For further information:

Media Contacts:

GranFondo Canada: Shaun Poole 778 838 2610 / [email protected]
Website: www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/RBC-GranFondo Whistler/113097202062228
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RBC_GFW

RBC: Christie Smith 604 665 4031/ [email protected]