RBC Whistler GranFondo Pours BC Tap Water for 4,000 Riders

Cycling Event Opts for 100 Per Cent Water Bottle-Free Sustainable Hydration

VANCOUVER, Sept. 1 /CNW/ - When participants in September 11^th's RBC Whistler GranFondo arrive at water stations along the 120-kilometre route, they'll refresh themselves with the world's best water - right out of the tap.

RBC is the main sponsor of the first mass cycling event of its kind in Canada. Long a champion of water conservation, RBC is donating $25,000 to organizations committed to water conservation through its Blue Water programs as part of its sponsorship of the event. Visitors to the Whistler GranFondo web site (www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com) can vote for their favourite organization - and the one with the most votes gets the lion's share of the grant.

And to demonstrate how seriously they take sustainable water practices, RBC and the GranFondo organizers are opting to make the event 100 per cent bottled-water free: providing tap water for thirsty participants at the five water stations along the route.

"Through the Blue Water Program, RBC has a track record of leadership in promoting responsible water stewardship," says Graham MacLachlan, RBC Regional President for B.C., who is also signed up to ride the event. "The RBC GranFondo is set along the spectacular Sea to Sky corridor, and water is a vital component of the event. So it just makes sense to take the next step and offer tap water for participants."

Metro Vancouver's tap water is one of the best on the planet and costs a fraction of bottled water.  Cyclists can also choose supplies of liquid eLoad that will provide fuel and electrolyte replacement for tired hamstring and quad muscles.

Most cyclists carry their own water bottles and will refill them along the way. MacLachlan says RBC will provide each participant with a free reusable water bottle prior to race day. Each will be stamped with its own water fact for riders to contemplate as they tackle the hilly course, such as:

"Less than 1 per cent of the water supply on earth can be used as drinking water", or

"Canada has 9 per cent of the world's water supply but is home to only 0.5 per cent of the world's population."

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.

For further information:

For media queries:

RBC Media Relations
Christie Smith
[email protected]

GranFondo Canada
Matt Freeman
[email protected]