April 19, 2010 (Vancouver, BC) – Continuing to build on legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, RBC announced today it will be the main sponsor for the first ever RBC GranFondo Whistler mass cycling event to be held on September 11, 2010 along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway.

GranFondos are cycling events that have been popular in Europe for decades, and are beginning to gain momentum in North America.

Title sponsorship of this challenging 120-kilometre bike ride from Vancouver to Whistler gives RBC the opportunity to build the spirit of community, encourage physical fitness and raise awareness of the need to preserve our precious water resources through the RBC Blue Water Project, a wide-ranging, multi-year program to help foster a culture of water stewardship.

RBC is delighted to support the 4,000 enthusiastic cyclists – beginners to advanced – who have made this a sold-out event. The RBC GranFondo Whistler also offers a unique opportunity to participate in the RBC Blue Water Project, a 10 year, $50 million grant program to support charitable initiatives that contribute to a future of sustainable water resources worldwide. As part of the RBC GranFondo Whistler, the RBC Blue Water Project is donating $25,000 to 11 designated charities dedicated to the protection, conservation and improvement of water quality. And everyone gets a chance to vote for their favorite charity.

“We’re inviting everyone to get involved in the RBC GranFondo Whistler event and to play a role in helping protect clean water supplies,” said Graham MacLachlan, RBC Regional President for B.C. “It’s a great way to get into shape, enjoy our beautiful province while making a meaningful difference in the world.”

People can visit the RBC GranFondo Whistler website at www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com and vote for their favourite water-related charity. RBC will allocate funding to charities dedicated to watershed protection and providing access to safe drinking water based on the number of votes received.

RBC is pleased to partner with organizer GranFondo Canada in bringing the RBC GranFondo Whistler to Canada. Cyclists can look forward to the magnificent scenery as well as the 2400 metres of elevation gain that go with the Sea to Sky Highway, one lane of which will be reserved for participants on the day of the event. The RBC GranFondo Whistler event also includes the Giro, a competitive event for elite cyclists that runs from Vancouver to Whistler, and the Medio, a 60-km ride that spans from Squamish to Whistler.

About RBC
RBC is recognized among the world’s financial, social and environmental leaders and is listed on the 2009-2010 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the DJSI North American Index. RBC has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, one of Canada’s 50 Most Socially Responsible Corporations and one of the Best Workplaces in Canada. RBC is also listed on the Jantzi Social Index, the FTSE4Good Index, and the Canadian Carbon Disclosure Project Leadership Index. As one of Canada’s largest corporate donors, RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2009, RBC contributed more than $105 million to community causes worldwide, through donations of more than $52.6 million, and an additional $52.5 million in sponsorship of community events and national organizations.

About GranFondo Canada
Founded in 2007, GranFondo Canada is an event management group committed to bringing the first world-class Gran Fondo experience to Canada. With a mission of making the RBC GranFondo Whistler the first in a national series, GranFondo Canada will continue to advocate for cycling in all markets it holds events.