December 12, 2012 (Niagara Falls, ON) – GranFondo Canada, producers of mass participation cycling events, has announced the introduction of GranFondo Niagara Falls which will take place on Saturday, September 14th, 2013. Starting and finishing adjacent to the world-famous Niagara Falls, the 125 km route will take cyclists into the heart of the Niagara Region, including wine country and several climbs of the Niagara Escarpment.

Gran fondo cycling events have enjoyed incredible popularity in Europe for decades and are gaining momentum in North America. Loosely translated from Italian, gran fondo means “big ride.” These rides are 100 km or more and designed for cyclists at a variety of skill levels – everyone from competitive cyclists to recreational athletes enjoy these events. The most prestigious rides feature thousands of riders on scenic courses in epic locations.

This gran fondo event will mark the largest mass participation timed cycling event to ever take place in Niagara Falls and the culmination of over two years of planning in order to provide a car-free ride.

“We have had this dream to bring our idea of a GranFondo ride to Niagara Falls since June of 2010,” said Kevin Thomson, co-founder of GranFondo Canada. “It takes a long time to figure out how to make an express lane for bicycles work in any new location, but we have met with uninterrupted enthusiasm from all parties involved. Our team is outrageously excited to be able to share this moment with the passionate riders of Ontario.”

“The GranFondo event is the perfect fit for Niagara Falls,” said Mayor Jim Diodati. “Cycling has always been popular in the region and now we’re ready to celebrate it with a major blockbuster event.  We will show all the participants and their families an outstanding time in Niagara Falls!”

Most participants are expected to come from the Greater Toronto Area but many will come from other parts of Canada, the U.S. and as far away as Europe. It is expected that participants will travel with their families and extend their stay to take in local attractions and activities.

“GranFondo Niagara Falls will help build our brand as a great cycling destination,” said Robin Garrett, CEO, The Tourism Partnership of Niagara. “We are delighted to support this blockbuster event which will feature multiple locations across the region and appeal to our target consumers in the domestic and US markets. It makes good marketing sense to partner with the GranFondo team to leverage our collective efforts.”

“GranFondo Niagara Falls provides an excellent opportunity for the Niagara Region to showcase its beautifully scenic road-cycling routes,” said Janice Thomson, Chair of The Niagara Parks Commission. “Today’s announcement is made possible thanks to the spirit of collaboration from a number of parties throughout the region who all believe in a vision that Niagara can be one of the world’s best cycling destinations.”

Demand for the event is expected to be very high. For those interested in participating, registration details will be published on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.

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