The Ballarat Cycle Classic has sent the call out for 200 volunteers, in order to ensure the event on February 18 is run safety and smoothly.

Featuring road rides, mountain biking and a family walk and run at Lake Wendouree, it raises funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute in Ballarat.

More than $1.6 million has been raised by the Ballarat Cycle Classic over its 10 year history, with 100 per cent of registration fees donated.

And while the institute runs solely off donations with no government funding, the work of passionate volunteers at events like the Ballarat Cycle Classic allow cancer research to continue in Ballarat.  

Volunteer John Ives said the major impetus for him volunteering was the institute’s world-class research, not just his family’s experiences with cancer.

“Even if you haven’t been directly touched by it, we are the only regional cancer research institute, so it’s something that Ballarat as a whole should hang its hat on,” he said. 

“With this, you are actually providing something locally. What we do helps pay the researchers that work here, so at the end of the day you’re keeping your dollars in town.”

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The institute was opened in 1998, inspired by Ballarat teenage Fiona Elsey who lost her battle with Ewing's Sarcoma in 1991.

Her oncologist Dr George Kannourakis made a promise to the fourteen year old before her death to open a cancer research institution. 

Bec Wiggers, who has volunteered at the event for three years, said the dedication of the staff to the cause had motivated her to continue donating her time. 

“When you listen to George talk about his passion, that’s the difference between here compared to a big organisation,” she said. 

“The passion that comes through, it makes you see the end result, rather than money just being put into this, that and the other.” 

Head to fecri.org.au/volunteer/volunteer-help for more information.