December 17, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – GranFondo Canada, organizer of the annual RBC GranFondo Whistler, has announced a change to the event for next year. For the past two years, a sanctioned Giro race was added to the RBC GranFondo Whistler however a sanctioned race element will not be included in 2012.

Gran Fondo events meet the demand created by cyclists looking for something bigger than a weekly group ride. They attract riders of various experience levels who are seeking a challenging route, epic scenery and the unique experience of riding with thousands of others. Gran Fondos are generally not designed for those cyclists looking for a full season of sanctioned races.

GranFondo Canada recognizes the desire for competitive racers to ride the Vancouver to Whistler route in a lane dedicated to cyclists and some adjustments will be made to the RBC GranFondo Whistler event in order to accommodate this group of licensed racers. Among these adjustments will be a re-configured start area that will see licenced cyclists able to start together at the front.

“Our team at GranFondo Canada is committed to delivering a unique cycling experience. Knowing that cyclists ride for different reasons, our team strives to find unique ways to cater to the competitor in each of us regardless of racing experience,” said Kevin Thomson, co-founder of GranFondo Canada. “Racers have told us they want to ride together and that they appreciate having a timed course. With some slight changes to the GranFondo start, we will be able to provide what they are looking for by including them in the full GranFondo event”.

Early Bird Registration for this event is available until January 6, 2012. Licensed racers, past and present, will be prompted during the online registration process.