This a moment that really sticks with Hegert, his mate and daughter helping him when he was really struggling bad.

Hegert said this is what cycling is all about, support.

The veteran cyclist is a face of a new Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute campaign for the upcoming Ballarat Cycle Classic. 

Hegert has had prostate cancer, twice, and said that without advances in technology and treatment from research, he would unlikely still be here today.

“I try to promote the early detection as much as I can. As soon as I see what Fiona Elsey is doing, it’s a no-brainer,” Hegert said.

“If I had’ve had cancer 30 years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. I’ve had two rolls of it now and am still here, thanks to research and development.”

Hegert was 48 years old when his wife urged him to go to the doctor for a general health check-up, and while Hegert asked about a prostate check, his doctor at the time deemed him too young.

One year later he had prostate check and quickly became the second youngest man his urologist had operated on for prostate cancer.

The cancer came back, but slowly, under constant monitoring his specialists could determine the best course of treatment for him. Hegert underwent eight weeks’ radiation in Ballarat a year ago, arriving for treatment each time in his overalls ready for work afterwards.

He understands firsthand how cancer treatments affect everyone differently but feels his fitness from cycling helped in his treatment.

Hegert’s children were into cycling before him. One of his daughters had been riding with a friend but when the friend stopped, and he kept urging his daughter to ride safely about the lake with lights on, she asked him to ride with her. And from there, Hegert has kept pedalling.

A member of The Thinking Man’s Bunch, Hegert said he loves the camaraderie most.

“If I can’t keep up, I know we’ll always meet up at the end for a coffee or sometimes a beer,” Hegert said.

FECRI’s new television campaign, featuring stories of Ballarat people affected by cancer, will air from December 10.

Registrations for Ballarat Cycle Classic in February are open online: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.

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