Almost 2000 people flocked to Lake Wendouree on two wheels for the annual Ballarat Cycle Classic on Sunday, helping raise much needed funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

Ballarat Cycle Classic executive officer Nicole Bartlett said organisers were once again astonished by the number of people willing to support cancer research.

“It shows what a great community Ballarat is,” she said.

“Everyone is touched by cancer. People realise how important it is to support the institute and to keep it going.”

While the official fundraising total won’t be known for another week, Ms Bartlett said it is hoped a similar figure to last year’s $200,000 has been raised.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE 2016 BALLARAT CYCLE CLASSIC HERE.

She said the funds raised at this year’s cycle classic would be used to further fund current research projects including research into ovarian cancer, histiocytic diseases, chemosensitivity testing lung cancer trial and chronic lymphoid leukemia.

“This will enable us to go further,” she said.

“Without funding, there is no research and without research there will be no cure.”

Ms Bartlett said Sunday’s event was also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research and importance of prevention.

Since 2008, the Ballarat Cycle Classic has raised over $1.4 million dollars for cancer research.

More stories from the 2016 Ballarat Cycle Classic can be found here.