It's not every day you get to go for a bike ride with running legend Steve Moneghetti, but you can for the Ballarat Cycle Classic.
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A long-term ambassador for the event, he'll be hitting the course with everyone else, taking on the 100 kilometre road ride.
"It's nice to support something that brings so many local people together," he said.
"I was initially involved when FECRI was first opened, obviously there's a strong connection with that, and I'd like to stay involved.
"It's a really terrific day, for me it's a personal challenge, but it's great to do it with so many like-minded people around town."
The event, on February 16, is raising money for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, a Ballarat-based charity that's pushing to hit a $300,000 target this year.
The institute's made breakthroughs in bowel cancer, and is focusing on a new way to fight breast cancer.
An easy way to help is to sign up to go for a ride at the Cycle Classic - from laps around the lake, to a road ride across the district, to mountain biking, or the monster 160km SPUD 100, in honour of Danny Frawley.
"I did the 100km last year which was a long way for me - I thought about the 160 this year in honour of Spud, but I did a 95km ride a couple of weeks ago and it always killed me, so I think back to 100 - 160's a long way for someone that doesn't ride," Mr Moneghetti said.
"I go for a run and everyone gets a bit intimidated, but on the bike, it's a bit out of my comfort zone, I do it because I enjoy it and it's a challenge."
FECRI's honourary director, Professor George Kannourakis, said Mr Moneghetti is a "wonderful friend of the institute".
"He has supported the Ballarat Cycle Classic since its inception thirteen years ago," he said. "We wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing him at the finish line."
Mr Moneghetti's training has been an adjustment to his usual distance running - cyclists use different muscles, and it's a completely different rhythm for expending energy on a 100km ride to a 42.2km marathon. But the Cycle Classic's accessible for any level of cyclist, he said.
"People are very supportive out on the road, so no matter what level you are, people are encouraging and there's plenty of space to stop and rest," he said.
"There's a fantastic atmosphere on the start line, and it's just a great day for a mass participation event.
"Last year, 100km was a long way for me and there was a sense of achievement, and I can tell you, at the end I was personally satisfied just to get through it and finish it."
- Register online at the Ballarat Cycle Classic website