Cycle Classic celebrates eighteen years

NEXT year will mark eighteen years of Ballarat Cycle Classic and organisers are gearing up to raise half a million dollars for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

Since the event’s inception, more than $3 million has been raised for the Ballarat institute, which is Australia’s only regionally based cancer research centre.

Set for February 2025, the event will include two days of Staged Gravity Enduro, mountain biking, road rides, and family-friendly events.

All funds raised from registrations and donations will go directly to cancer research.

Honorary director of the institute, Professor George Kannourakis, encouraged community members to forgo a few cups of coffee and get involved.

“It’s the equivalent of five cups of coffee [to register] and you can actually make a big difference,” he said.

“All we need is 10,000 people to do that and we will reach our goal.

“I think it’s possible to do and we’re not asking for a fortune.”

Saturday 15 February will include events at Creswick’s new Djuwang Baring Mountain Bike Park while Sunday 16 February will see road rides, walking activities and an 18-kilometre birthday loop ride at Lake Wendouree.

The different activities will allow for a broad range of community members to take part, from road cyclists and mountain bike riders to those who enjoy walking with their pets.

A cocktail party will take place on the Saturday evening at the Yacht Club to celebrate the event’s 18th birthday.

“It brings all the community in, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a bike rider or not,” said Mr Kannourakis.

“It’s something that people can do, and it will make a big difference.”

Registration is now open at ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.