THE purple and white lycra is set to make a return to Lake Wendouree as the Ballarat Cycle Classic rolls around for another year.
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And for those who aren’t fans of cycling or lycra, a new six-kilometre walk around Lake Wendouree has been added to this year’s event.
Lap of the Lake Celebration Walk ambassador and radio personality Paul “PT” Taylor said the new walking event was the perfect chance to acknowledge the role that the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute played within the community and highlight the impact of cancer on local families.
“One in four Australians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime,” he said.
“It’s the most horrid disease. It is a no-brainer to be a part of this, whether it’s walking, cycling or just sticking $10 in a tin.”
Mr Taylor, whose wife Donna died of cervical cancer last year, said he knew she would be smiling at his effort and that of everyone else participating in this year’s event.
“To give back to an incredible institute like the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute feels good,” he said.
“She (Donna) would love to know I’d be involved in something like this, knowing I’m being a part of something that inflicted us so badly and still offering support to others going through a similar thing.”
With cancer affecting many families within the community, Mr Taylor said the walk was an excellent opportunity to talk with others about the disease.
“Cancer has started to come out into the open; the more you talk about it, the easier it can be to handle it,” he said.
“Being able to talk about it with other people can also help those just starting out on their journey.”
He said if the word “cancer” wasn’t enough to urge someone to participate, he wasn’t sure what else was.
Ballarat Cycle Classic event manager Nicole Bartlett said it was hoped more than 2000 participants would reg-
ister for this year’s event, with the choice to participate in a 50, 60, 85 or 100-kilometre ride, the MTB Fat Tyre Challenge, Lake Relay Ride or Lap of Lake Celebration Walk.
“Registrations are already up on last year,” she said
More than $210,000 was raised at last year’s Cycle Classic, all the profits donated to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au
AT A GLANCE
What: Ballarat Cycle Classic
When: Sunday, February 15
Where: Start/finish line, Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree
Register: www.ballarat cycleclassic.com.au