November 25/10 14:52 pm - GranFondo Kelowna Announced for 2011

Posted by Editor on 11/25/10
 

On the "wheels" of the success of the RBC GranFondo Whistler,GranFondo Canada and RBC today announced the launch of the inaugural RBC GranFondo Kelowna to be held on July 16, 2011 around Lake Okanagan.

GranFondos are cycling events that have been popular in Europe for decades, and are gaining momentum in North America. While they are not considered races, they are timed, and there is prizing for top teams.

"As sponsors of the RBC GranFondo Whistler, we helped bring a ground-breaking event to the cycling community," says Karen Borring-Olsen, RBC Regional Vice-President. "And we're equally proud to be part of the team that will bring the GranFondo event to the magnificent Okanagan, giving cyclists a whole new challenge and experience."

It's anticipated that more than 2,000 cyclists will participate in the Kelowna event, ranging in skill level from first-time riders to former professional riders. The majority are expected to come from outside the Okanagan region with family and friends, and spend several days before and after the event in the Kelowna area.

"We're pleased to have the GranFondo cycling event hosted in Kelowna next summer," says Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. "Kelowna continues to strive for ways to highlight the advantages of active living for residents and visitors and this event is a great fit."

"From the start, we identified Kelowna and the North Okanagan as an opportunity for an iconic legacy event," says Neil McKinnon, co-founder of GranFondo Canada. "We feel that the RBC GranFondo Kelowna is not just about the day, but an opportunity for cyclists and their families to experience a truly unique lifestyle destination by spending several days in the wine country of the Okanagan."

The original RBC GranFondo Whistler event was such a hit with the cycling community that the 4,000 available entries sold out six months in advance of the event. Organizers predict that registration in the RBC GranFondo Kelowna will also sell out well in advance of the event. For more information, please visit www.rbcgranfondokelowna.com.