Government of Canada Lends Support to Quebec and Montreal Grand Prix Cyclistes Races

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 22, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces the awarding of $1,620,000 in non-repayable funding for the commercialization of the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on markets outside Quebec.

"The Government of Canada believes in the importance of supporting the promotion outside the province of these elite sporting events, which will help extend the reach and influence of Québec and Montréal around the world," stated Minister Lebel.

The Québec and Montréal Grand Prix cycling competitions, the cross-Atlantic leg of the International Cycling Union's prestigious WorldTour races, will be held September 9 and 11, respectively.

This financial assistance from the Government of Canada has been granted through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program, an initiative aimed at, among other things, fostering tourism development. The televised broadcast of these races will be an ideal showcase for promoting the international reputation of the cities of Québec and Montréal. The spinoffs from these major sporting events are expected to translate into higher tourism traffic.

Minister Lebel said he is delighted to welcome the Québec and Montréal Grand Prix cycling races back for a second year and extends his best wishes for success to all of the competitors. "These top-calibre athletes, who are forever pushing their limits, are sure to give sports fans everywhere an exciting show they won't soon forget."

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