"We could do anything in Ballarat" were the words Professor George Kannourakis told a Melbourne philanthropist who donated funding to launch a breast cancer research program in this city.
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The challenge lies in trying to raise an ambitious $300,000 for a fully-fledged focus on breast cancer, all extra equipment and PhD candidates, via Ballarat Cycle Classic.
Every cent from entries boosts the program at Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. This has already doubled the tally made last summer - and was about $70,000 short of the target as of Friday evening.
There is still time to register and get moving.
HOW TO REGISTER: via ballaratcycleclassic.com.au or in the events village at Windmill Drive, by Lake Wendouree, on Saturday 2-5pm or Sunday from 6.30am.
WHEN: Sunday
WHAT YOU CAN DO: try the pet-friendly walk or run around Lake Wendouree (9.45am), ride laps of the lake (9.30am), or a 28-kilometre adventure ride along Yarrowee Trail to Gong Gong (8.30am).
DISTANCE ROAD RIDES: 7am - SPUD100 (160km/100 miles); 8.15am - 50km, 60km, 85km and 100km rides.
MOUNTAIN BIKING: 7.45am - 30km, 40km and 50km rides.
EXTRA MOTIVATION
EVENT VILLAGE: children's activities, food and fun available in the village at Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree.
TRAFFIC CHANGES: Wendouree Parade's inside lane (travelling anti-clockwise about the lake) will be closed to all traffic on Sunday, 5am to 4pm. Other traffic on Wendouree Parade will be restricted to 40km/h during these times.
Parking is not permitted on the inside lane of Wendouree Parade on Sunday, 5am to 4pm.
Pedestrian access to the precinct will not be affected.
Extra car parking is in North Gardens on Wendouree Parade.
WHAT'S NEW: endurance ride Spud100, named in memory of long-time ambassador and AFL identity Danny Frawley.
This extended route (160km, or 100 miles) has a few surprises in store; the climb out of the Moorabool valley at Bungal; a short steep pinch and another one up from Police Camp - and that's only two-thirds in.
FECRI is the only cancer research institute in regional Australia and relies on community donations.
For course details, visit ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.
DON'T FORGET: check out all the colour and action from Sunday's event at thecourier.com.au.
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