Wheels in motion for cycle classic

THE date of the Ballarat Cycle Classic has been locked in for 2024 with the fundraiser set to benefit the work of scientists in the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute for a seventeenth year.

Over Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February, the fundraiser will include road, gravel, and dirt rides for cyclists of all levels, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to cancer research happening in the Ballarat lab.

The Cycle Classic campaign was officially launched last Friday morning and FECRI researcher and national-level cyclist Louis Perriman said he encourages everyone to jump on their bikes for an important local cause.

“The equipment and resources we have here are second-to-none compared to some of the Melbourne labs,” he said.

“All the money that goes towards the institute from this event really does help, and without the community coming out to support this event, we couldn’t do what we do.”

Institute director Professor George Kannourakis said the Ballarat Cycle Classic has raised $2.5 million in the last 16 years and is the lab’s main fundraising initiative.

“Community support means everything to the institute, and it’s what drives us,” he said.

“We’re all one family, and all of our scientists that come and work here feel part of that community, and part of that effort.

“We raised $250,000 last year, and we’re hoping to make $300,000 this year, which will support three scientists for one year.

“I’m very proud to say that in Ballarat right now, we’re doing some cutting-edge research.”

The institute is the legacy of one of Professor Kannourakis’ late patients, Fiona Elsey.

“The event is really important for the ongoing research that’s happening here in Ballarat, but the most important thing to remember is that the community is the heart of the institute,” said Fiona’s mother, Gail Elsey.

“It’s the community that have made the Cycle Classic the success that it is over the years, and it’s wonderful that people continue to support it, so that good things can happen in the lab, and progress can be made.

“It’s the power of the people.”