COUNCILLORS are getting on their bikes in a united front outside chambers to help take this city for a ride.
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They are preparing to be in action to raise money and awareness for homegrown cancer research in Ballarat Cycle Classic on Sunday.
Cr Daniel Moloney and Cr Jim Rinaldi said the mass participation was a great way to promote healthy living, a good cause and show why the city was Australia's home of cycling.
Both will take on road rides for the Classic, which is the major fundraiser for Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
In my case, I just love cycling. It offers a great mental release on a ride to destress after a big day at work.
- Cr Daniel Moloney
"It's incredible the amount of people you see on popular cycling locations in Ballarat: Buninyong, White Swan and around Lake Wendouree," Cr Moloney said.
Cr Moloney has clocked up more than 600 kilometres on his new bike this year and said he felt ready to tackle the 85km ride.
He said Ballarat was a great, safe place to ride and found most motorists were generally courteous in sharing the road, particularly compared to riding in metropolitan location.
City of Ballarat aims to create new bike paths each year to encourage more people to get riding.
Ballarat Cycle Classic allows a chance for people to ride in a supported environment with marshalls, roving bike mechanics, lolly and drink stops, and advice from experienced riders out on course.
- READ MORE: Elites ready to cheer you on for the ride
Cr Rinaldi said there was added motivation in knowing all money raised would go to world-class cancer research being made in Ballarat.
"I've been through the centre and it's incredible what they have there for research and the discoveries they're making," Cr Rinaldi said.
"This event is a good chance to go out and ride. It's great for exercise, mental health and this is a great cause."
State MPs Juliana Addison (Wendouree) and Jaala Pulford (Western Victoria) have signed up for the Classic, as has Ballarat federal MP and opposition health spokesperson Catherine King.
The Classic touts events for all abilities. There are four road rides courses tackling the Mount Buninyong climb from 50 to 100kms. Mountain biking has a 40km challenge and 50km extreme ride.
A 28km adventure ride leads out along the Yarrowee Trail and others can roll out laps of Lake Wendouree.
The pet-friendly walk or run is also a popular fixture. All rides start and finish in a lively activities precinct.
Entries are strong with more than 60 per cent of those who have signed up coming from out of town.
Details: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.
King reiterates research promise
BALLARAT MP Catherine King has reiterated her funding pledge to tackle ovarian cancer.
Labor's federal health spokeswoman will be in action for the Ballarat Cycle Classic on Sunday, the major fundraiser for Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute in her hometown.
This comes in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which is personal for Ms King who years ago promised a close, dying friend she would aim to invest in research and awareness to tackle the silent killer.
Ms King last year announced a Shorten Labor Government would provide $12 million towards Ovarian Cancer Australia's national plan for research.
About 1400 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, most in advanced stages. The five-year survival rate is 43 per cent
“Investment in awareness and research is critical if this picture is to change," Ms King said.
The $12 million pledge would help to create a national ovarian cancer registry and clinical database; develop Australian Ovarian Cancer Study's tissue bank; and, offer three new clinical trials to further treatment.
Ms King said ovarian cancer patients, survivors and their families would also be contacted and urged to undertake genetic testing to see if they carry the BRCA gene mutation, which puts them at a higher rise of the disease.
“(There are) 11,000 women who have had ovarian cancer are yet to find out if they have the BRCA gene - leaving them and their families in the dark about whether they have a significantly heightened risk of ovarian and breast cancer,” Ms King said.
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