Cycle Classic helps FECRI fight cancer

THE Ballarat Cycle Classic rolled around Lake Wendouree and the wider district last weekend.

An annual major fundraiser for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, the two-day festival included lots of serious and social bike-riding and walking.

More than $210,000 had been generated by last weekend through entry fees for the long-distance road rides up to 160 kilometres, mountain bike, adventure and gravel rides, and shorter walks and rides around the lake.

Former Ballarat resident, VFL footballer, and AFL coach Michael Malthouse is the Cycle Classic’s ambassador.

As a supporter of the Institute, he completed the six-kilometre lake walk alongside his wife Nanette on Sunday morning, and said he’s seen many family members and close friends battle cancer.

“It’s such an insidious disease. Both my parents died of cancer, my wife’s had breast cancer and is well now, her brother died of cancer, two of my teammates in the 1980 grand final both have succumbed to cancer, and I could keep going,” he said.

“The Institute is a Ballarat organisation with little to no government funding at this stage. I want to support the scientists and staff at the Institute who are doing an outstanding job to try to put a stop to it.

“We need people to support FECRI so we can do something about cancer collectively. The foundation means so much to the town… and I’ll never forget my roots in Ballarat. That’s why I’m involved.”

David Dansick completed the family ride with his wife Anne, and their grandchildren Kaiya and Izaiah.

“We’ve been taking part since it started 15 years ago,” he said. “Professor George Kannourakis has named part of his laboratory after our daughter, Ainsley, who passed away.

“There’s just so much great work happening on immunology in the research lab in Ballarat.”

James Mioch tackled the 60-kilometre road ride with his brother-in-law, travelling to Mount Buninyong, Yendon, Warrenheip, and Dunnstown, before finishing back at the lake.

“We took part as a social activity, to get active, and donate to a good cause,” he said.

“The course was well laid out. The hills were a bit sneaky, but we had a good time.”

After a “harsh” 24 months in Victoria, Mr Malthouse said it was a delight to see so many happy faces out getting active together for a good cause, and that the event has grown.

“Mental health has been an issue with so many people, particularly young kids, so to be able to see crowds here without hindrance is great,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for anyone to get together with a group for general fitness and wellbeing, and I hope it becomes a national institution in February, where people travel to Ballarat to enjoy the wonderful city’s hospitality, to enjoy the ride, and help the foundation.

“I ride and walk religiously. I’m hoping to do the trail ride next year, and I’ll do what I can to get my eldest grandson and others in my family up here too.