May 1, 2006 – Celtic Business Development Corporation (CBDC Celtic) will sponsor the 1stAnnual Cycling Race “˜Tour de Shore’ on September 2-3, 2006. With Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) as the event partner, “Tour de Shore’ will be a signature event to generate new economic activity in the CBDC Celtic region it serves, to raise the profile of CBDC Celtic and promote its programs and services to the event audience and race participants.

The two-day event over the Labour Day weekend will take place on the Southern Avalon in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and is expected to attract all levels of bicycling enthusiasts, spectators and other related interested groups. The overall program will include bicycling workshops and activities. Bicycle races will invite participation from families, recreational riders, amateur solo and team riders, and professional racers.

The total purse for the professional races is $10,000 (restrictions apply), distributed throughout eight competition categories. To learn more about these races, complete detailed descriptions of each competition category and its respective prizes visit the events section of the Web site at www.tourdeshore.ca.

John Barry, Chair of CBDC Celtic comments, “It gives us great pleasure to sponsor the first annual cycling race “˜Tour de Shore’. We feel that this event will have the effect of promoting the Southern Avalon and the Province nationally. We also anticipate that individuals, communities and organizations will benefit from the economic spin-offs from this event. Local, provincial and national entrants will have the unique opportunity to experience first hand the heart of the Southern Avalon and the hospitality of its residents.”

BNL President, Leon Organ, states, “Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador (BNL) is proud to support the first “˜Tour de Shore’ cycling race. BNL is the sporting organization that represents all aspects of cycling within our province. Along with the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), BNL offers its members services and support in racing and recreation, various discounts, and a voice on the National and International stage. BNL looks forward to working with CBDC Celtic in bringing the event to our front doorstep and showing everyone that Newfoundland and Labrador is the place to come for vivid scenery, spectacular cycling, and a great race.”

For more information about CBDC Celtic, go to: www.celtic.cbdc.ca

For more information about BNL, go to: www.bnl.nf.ca

For more information about “˜Tour de Shore’ and registration for the event, go to: www.tourdeshore.ca