Thousands of defiant riders and walkers have braved the chilly conditions of Lake Wendouree this morning to continue the fight for a cure.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Thousands of defiant riders and walkers braved the chilly conditions on Lake Wendouree Sunday morning in pursuit of a cancer cure.
At least 1500 cyclists took to the roads in the 10th annual Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute Ride for Research.
Some of the city's more experienced riders hit the track early to embark on the long road race which took along a 100 kilometre trek which included elements of the National Road Championship course.
Meanwhile younger contestants got their cycling fix by competing in a relay event around the lake.
Now in its 10th year of operation, the annual event raises crucial funds for Ballarat’s leading cancer research centre. In 2015 the event managed to raise $200,000 which help to employ the institute’s 18 scientific staff.
FECRI research director Professor George Kannourakis said the annual fundraiser played a crucial role in ensuring the institute stayed at the forefront of cancer research.
“Most of our research is aimed at looking at immunology and cancer and how we can improve the immune system to attack cancer,” Professor Kannourakis said. “There's a fair bit of innovative work going on at the institute at the moment and these events help us to keep our head above water and do the research.”
In a first for the event walkers and pups alike were able to get involved with the addition of a walk or run around the lake. Mountain bikers also joined in on the action with a number of off-road challenges.
Mother of Fiona Elsey Gail Elsey said the consistent turnouts for the ride provided hope for people suffering from cancer as well as their loved ones.
“From Fiona’s own personal experience she realised how important research was to benefit people with a disease,” Ms Elsey said. “Fiona knew that she would lose her battle but she wanted to leave behind hope for others with her vision and she’s achieved that.”
8.20am
It may only have been 8 degrees but the chilly start couldn’t deter hundreds of cyclists setting off on the annual ride to raise funds for cancer research.
The Ballarat Cycle Classic, now in its tenth year, sees thousands of Ballarat cyclists embark on various courses including riding over the famous Buninyong National Road Championship course.
The temperature, which got down to almost four degrees last night had only crept up to eight degrees by the time the 100km event got underway at 8am.
And for those who stayed in bed, spare a thought for the strong headwind gusting up to 30km/h from the west which will slow the riders return all the way from Mt Egerton.
This year the event will also include a walk around the lake for those less two- wheel inclined and has even been extended to pets, so they get their dose of exercise too.
All the funds raised by the generous athletes go towards the Ballarat’s Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.