August 10, 2012 (Milton, ON) – The Town of Milton is honoured to be the recipient of more than $478,000 for the Mattamy Cycling Centre – Home of Canadian Cycling. The funds have been raised from the eighth annual Tour de Bleu, Mattamy’s annual cycling fundraiser, to be held on August 12, 2012.

“On behalf of Milton Council, I would like to thank all of the Tour de Bleu participants and Mattamy Homes for their support,” said Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz. “The funds raised during this event will greatly help us with our fundraising goals for the new Mattamy Cycling Centre.”

A total of 40 riders, including professional cyclist and 17-year Tour de France veteran George Hincapie, are participating in this year’s event. The cyclists will take one of three routes, a 100-, 150- or 200-kilometre route from Muskoka to the finish line in front of Milton’s Town Hall West (Victoria Park, 150 Mary Street).

Spectators are invited to cheer on the riders along the route and at the finish line which cyclists are expected to cross at approximately 4:00 p.m.

“I am so excited that this year’s Tour de Bleu will benefit the new Mattamy Cycling Centre in Milton,” said Peter Gilgan, Founder and CEO Mattamy Homes.  “Our vision is for the new velodrome to become the premiere home of Canadian cycling in Canada and benefit the people of Milton and all of Ontario.  Hopefully one day a young rider in Milton who will train at the new centre will become a world champion.”

The proposed Mattamy Cycling Centre, located near Louis St. Laurent Ave. and Tremaine Rd., will be a 250-metre oval cycling track with banked corners and 1,500 permanent seats that will house cycling events for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.  The new cycling centre will also provide residents with access to recreation spaces that are non-cycling related, including a gymnasium, walking track, fitness centre and multi-purpose space.

The Tour de Bleu, created by cyclist and philanthropist Peter Gilgan in 2005, has raised over $4 million for community projects and initiatives, including the Trillium Health Centre and Sick Kids as well as other health, recreation and community charities. For further information on the Tour de Bleu, visit HERE.

For more information on the velodrome, visit HERE or call 905-878-7252, ext. 2581.