Press

(Vancouver – May 9, 2018) – Award-winning RBC GranFondo Whistler event launches 55km Medio category, aimed at fostering inclusivity and encouraging new cyclists into the sport.

RBC GranFondo Whistler has announced sweeping changes to its 55km Medio category which will help athletes and spectators take part in the event. Uniquely starting and finishing in Whistler, the home of the event’s traditional Vancouver to Whistler finish-line, riders will travel south along the Sea-to- Sky corridor towards the Callaghan Valley, before looping up to the Whistler Olympic Plaza and back with the rest of the GranFondo field coming from Vancouver.

A raft of additions have been introduced to enhance Medio riders’ experience. This includes a later 9:15am start time and a protective neutralized escort southbound to enhance safety and enjoyment. Timing sections will only be active along the Callaghan Valley section, allowing Medio riders the comfort of not competing with the Gran Fondo and Forte fields.

Supporting the Medio is a brand new training clinic location in Whistler thanks to My FirstFondo, the established RBC GranFondo Whistler training clinic program.

Neil McKinnon, founder of RBC GranFondo Whistler said, “The new Medio is a turning point in the history of the event. We hope the changes we’ve made allow more people to get involved in the fantastic sport of cycling, as well as creating opportunities for businesses and the province as a whole. We’d like to especially thank the Resort Municipality of Whistler for their vision and belief in this goal, and for RBC’s continued support of the event.”

Registration is now open for the Medio and all other categories.

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About RBC GranFondo
The team that creates RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley and Whistler, based in Vancouver, has managedGran Fondos all over Canada and also creates cycling events throughout the year including all-inclusive,high-end rides: Bici Gusti Gourmet Ride and the Intrepid Stage Ride Okanagan. Their experience in creating bucket-list bike rides has landed numerous prestigious awards, as well as the hosting rights tothe UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2020.

For more information about the event, and to register, please visit: rbcgranfondo.com

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach todelivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 81,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at http://www.rbc.com/community-sustainability/.

Contact:
Neil McKinnon
RBC GranFondo, Produced by TOIT Events
604-568- 8648 x 300
[email protected]

May 1, 2018

RBC GRANFONDO WHISTLER ANNOUNCES NEW ST. REGIS CUP TEAM COMPETITION

(Vancouver – May 1, 2018) – North America’s largest Gran Fondo, RBC GranFondo Whistler, introduces competitive teams category in place of the postponed Giro race.

RBC GranFondo Whistler will host the St. Regis Cup teams’ competition, presented by Robert J. Macdonald. Open to all riders who meet qualifying criteria, teams of 5-8 riders will race across men’s, women’s and mixed categories for a prize purse worth $13,500.

Qualifying times are set to under 4:15 for men, 4:55 for women and 4:45 for mixed. These times are for the top 5 cumulative average. Qualifying times can be used from a previous RBC GranFondo Whistler or another event with a representative distance, with proof being entered upon registration.

The prize purses represent a fantastic range of gift certificate experiences. 1st place in each category will receive a $2500 Gotham Steakhouse giftcard; 2nd place receives a $1500 giftcard to Hy’s Steakhouse; 3rd place receives a $500 giftcard to Red Truck Brewery.

St. Regis Cup teams will benefit from a separate package-pickup at VeloSpoke Bike Expo, the first 6.40am corral position and a neutralized rollout to Taylor Way.

Neil McKinnon, founder of RBC GranFondo Whistler said, “The St. Regis Cup is hugely exciting. Instead of as individuals, the best riders will be joining forces and doing battle all the way up the Sea-to-Sky. With a fantastic set of experiences awaiting the winners, fans, riders and spectators alike are set for a treat with this new format.

“Huge thanks must go to Robert J Macdonald, whose support of cycling and its growth is magnificent. The St. Regis Cup is made possible because of his personal passion and support of the event.”

Specific details:
Date: Sat Sept 8, 2018
Distance: 122km / 76 mi
Start: Stanley Park, Vancouver
Finish: Whistler Village, Whistler
Elevation: 1900m / 6200 ft
Rest Stops available: 5
Start time: 6:40 am

The Giro race is postponed until after the UCI 2020 Gran Fondo World Championships.

Registration is now open for the St. Regis Cup

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About RBC GranFondo
The team that creates RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley and Whistler, based in Vancouver, has managed Gran Fondos all over Canada and also creates cycling events throughout the year including all-inclusive, high-end rides: Bici Gusti Gourmet Ride and the Intrepid Stage Ride Okanagan. Their experience in creating bucket-list bike rides has landed numerous prestigious awards, as well as the hosting rights to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in 2020.

For more information about the event, and to register, please visit: rbcgranfondo.com

Contact:
Neil McKinnon
RBC GranFondo
604-568-8648 x 300
[email protected]

March 27, 2018

RBC GRANFONDO WHISTLER NAMED BEST NORTH AMERICAN GRAN FONDO 2018 BY GRAN FONDO GUIDE

(London, United Kingdom – March 26, 2018) – UK-based Gran Fondo Guide magazine names RBC GranFondo Whistler as the 2018 Best Gran Fondo in North America.

Founded in 2010 and having won numerous other awards since inception, RBC GranFondo Whistler has been named “Best North American Gran Fondo” by Gran Fondo Guide, the industry voice of all things Gran Fondo. Based in London, United Kingdom, Gran Fondo Guide attracts a global audience of cyclists and its best Gran Fondo list announcements are some of the most anticipated articles published each year.

Mark Harding, owner of Gran Fondo Guide said: “Originally the list recognised the longevity and size of events, a sort of popularity rating.

“But as the market has grown, it now recognises and rewards rides that have innovated, inspired and motivated cyclists, supported worthy causes and contributed to the rapid growth of the Gran Fondo scene in North America.

“RBC GranFondo Whistler has been selected the top North American Gran Fondo for several reasons: Over the years it has continued to innovate. It’s not just a bike ride on closed roads but a whole weekend festival for the family, culminating in a big celebration afterwards.”

“This year in particular, was a notable year for RBC GranFondo Whistler being awarded the 2020 UCI World Championships. This is the first time the championships will be held in North America, testament not only to Whistler’s reputation but also to the growth and interest of cyclists in Gran Fondos internationally.

Whistler has also been selected as a 2019 UCI World GranFondo championships Qualifier event.

Neil McKinnon, Chief Enthusiast of RBC GranFondo said, “We couldn’t be more proud to have received this incredible award. It’s testament to all our family of riders, volunteers, crew and supporters who believed in a vision of creating the best cycling and community experience possible, and then following their passion. We want to welcome the entire world to this beautiful part of British Columbia, and humbly hope it’s a memory and ride you’ll forever cherish.”

The 2018 event is set to attract over 5000 riders from all four corners of the globe, with 3 distance categories promising unrivalled riding. Participants can expect a bumper swag bag, full transportation options, accommodation deals, parties, music festival, and family-friendly activities, to name just the tip of the iceberg.

Registration is now open. Register at rbcgranfondo.com/whistler and experience the best Gran Fondo North America has to offer.

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October 5, 2017

UCI AWARDS THE 2020 UCI GRAN FONDO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TO VANCOUVER/WHISTLER

2020 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships take place on September 12, 2020 along the established RBC GranFondo Whistler course from Vancouver to Whistler

(VANCOUVER – October 4, 2017) – Recently, the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Management Committee awarded the 2020 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships to Vancouver/Whistler at a meeting in Norway.

In partnership with RBC GranFondo Whistler, and hosting partners in Whistler, Sport Hosting Vancouver submitted a bid to transform the highly successful annual RBC GranFondo Whistler into a World Championships in 2020. This will be the first time the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will be hosted in North America.

“Building off the success of the established RBC GranFondo Whistler, this two year window in advance of hosting the 2020 World Championships gives us an unprecedented opportunity to market and promote to international cyclists who travel to Vancouver in 2020,” explained Michelle Collens, Senior Manager, Sport Hosting Vancouver.

Already being North America’s largest Gran Fondo event, the RBC GranFondo Whistler takes place annually on the second weekend of September since 2010. This ride offers beautiful landscapes and a clear, traffic-free passage over the picturesque Lions Gate Bridge followed by a challenging climb to the Mountain Resort of Whistler. The same events team has recently launched the RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley in California; this event is poised for even more success.

“Being awarded this distinction so far in advance sets us up for success and provides a pathway to build momentum to culminate the 2020 experience for all RBC GranFondo Whistler participants with UCI World Championship qualifiers.  We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of the Sea to Sky corridor and the splendor of our existing world class event,” said Neil McKinnon, Founder and Chief Enthusiast of the RBC GranFondo Whistler.

The 2017 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships took place in Albi, France from August 24-27, 2017 and supported over 2,900 riders at the event. The UCI Gran Fondo World Championships has seen a steady increase in participants since 2011. Albi 2017 saw most of its riders travel from the United Kingdom (911 cyclists), and Canada was represented by 69 cyclists.

The 2020 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships take place on September 12, 2020 along the established course from Vancouver to Whistler.

ABOUT THE UCI (UNION CYCLISTE INTERNATIONALE)

Founded in 1900, in Paris (France), the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the worldwide governing body for cycling. It develops and oversees cycling in all its forms, for all people as a competitive sport, as a healthy recreational activity, as a means of transport, and also just for fun. (http://www.uci.ch)

ABOUT SPORT HOSTING VANCOUVER

Sport Hosting Vancouver is a partnership between the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, Tourism Vancouver, the BC Pavilion Corporation (operating BC Place Stadium and the Convention Centre) and the University of British Columbia. We attract, develop, and support world-class sport events in Vancouver through great partnerships, enthusiastic guidance and an innovative approach.