Canada's First RBC GranFondo Whistler Cycling Event To Roll Out in Vancouver

The organizers of the RBC GranFondo Whistler, Canada’s first European style mass cycling event, will hold a ceremonial start of the bike ride.

VIPs who will be participating in the kick-off of the RBC GranFondo Whistler include former Vancouver Canucks' team captain Trevor Linden, now an avid cyclist, Simon Whitfield, Canadian Olympic Gold and Silver medalist, triathlon (Sydney and Beijing Summer Olympics), Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver, also an avid cyclist, Mayor Pam Goldsmith Jones of West Vancouver and Mayor Greg Gardner of Squamish.

The kick-off event will take place on Tuesday, April 20, at 11:30, at which time GranFondo Canada will announce RBC as the title sponsor of the RBC GranFondo Whistler as well as a major charity initiative associated with the ride. Following the introduction of the title sponsor, cyclists and mayors will saddle up their bikes and participate in a ceremonial start of the GranFondo.

The RBC GranFondo Whistler takes place on Saturday, September 11, 2010 starting at 7 a.m. It will be a spectacular, 120-km ride along the Sea To Sky Highway, featuring all the magnificent scenery of Howe Sound and the Coast mountains – along with 2400 metres of elevation along the route.

This event is such a hit with the cycling community that it is already sold out! More than 4,000 cyclists will be participating in the RBC GranFondo Whistler on September 11.



Categories
GranFondo: The full 120km from Vancouver to Whistler travelling in a dedicated lane. The course provides an extreme challenge with 2,400 meters of climbing, 1,750 meters of downhill and pure exhilaration at the top.

Medio: 60km from Squamish to Whistler still offers plenty of challenges as the lion's share of the hills are in this second half of the route.

Giro: A competitive race for the top riders in top shape. This division is the full 120km at race pace. Licensed riders in Category 1 through 3 females and males are welcome. Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for each gender.