SCIENTISTS working to combat cancer with their research are ready to peddle their work to ensure the community has a smooth ride.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute’s team is preparing to juggle volunteering out on course with setting out on a few laps of their own for the annual Ballarat Cycle Classic.
Registrations for the multi-sport festival are strong as this year’s jerseys are launched, a fortnight out from the event.
FECRI honourary director George Kannourakis never ceased to be heartened by the community response to get involved each year.
Ballarat Cycle Classic is FECRI’s primary fundraiser and has raised $1.8 million the past 12 years for homegrown, internationally-recognised cancer research.
- READ MORE: The Mulcahy family’s plea to boost cancer research after surviving a horror story. Read more here.
The Institute is the only regional cancer research centre in Australia and does not receive government funding.
“The Cycle Classic is a tremendous example of how the support of individuals and local businesses can create enormous impact,” Professor Kannourakis said.
AFL identities Danny Frawley and Michael Malthouse with Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti headline the event as ambassadors in their hometown and are gearing up to be out on course.
- READ MORE: Malthouse back and ready to ride
Back-to-back, reigning Australian criterium champion Rebecca Wiasak will return to Ballarat as an event ambassador. Wiasak plans to take in the nationals course, including the Mount Buninyong climb, in what she says will be a change of pace for a good cause.
- READ MORE: Champion’s call for a cause to get pedalling
Professor Kannourakis said cancer affects most Australian families and, on current rates, one in two Australians would be diagnosed with cancer by age 85.
But he said the Institute was helping to make major strides in unlocking the riddles of cancer, particularly with its research into immunology, ovarian cancer and leukemia.
Ballarat Cycle Classic features road rides, mountain biking, family rides and a family walk (pets welcome) or run with 100 per cent of entries going directly to FECRI research.
The Cycle Classic is on February 17. Enter: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.
In five years’ time, cancer patients may have no need to go through radiotherapy and chemotherapy because of the significant breakthroughs that are now being made in immunotherapy. This is possible because of research.
- Professor George Kannourakis
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.