Cycle Classic secures supporter in Optus

FEBRUARY’S Ballarat Cycle Classic will be a spectacle around Lake Wendouree and along the roads of broader Ballarat with a fresh supporter.

Optus Ballarat is a new sponsor for the 2020 Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute fundraiser, helping the organisation to achieve their $300,000 goal which will establish a dedicated breast cancer research program at FECRI.

With 100 per cent of the Ballarat Cycle Classic’s registrations and donations directed to the project, Optus territory general manager, south west Victoria, Alan Rigoni said his team are passionate about building up things important to the community.

“We are thrilled to be a sponsor of this year’s Ballarat Cycle Classic. We are incredibly proud to be supporting such a meaningful cause,” he said.

“Cancer is something that touches many of us and this event is a great example of Ballarat coming together to make a difference.”

FECRI’s Sarah Stapleton said the support of groups like Optus enables the institute to keep all the day’s profits.

“That helps us pay for what we need to do to make it a bigger and better event each year,” she said.

Not just for the avid cyclist, the Ballarat Cycle Classic has something for all types of riders, with more than just the Lake Ride on the program. It even welcomes runners and walkers.

“We’re a family event and we take that really seriously. We have kids laps of the lake and older kids and parents can do a 28km Adventure Ride,” Ms Stapleton said.

“We have mountain biking and have world champion, Jess Douglas on board with us as an ambassador.”

But 2020 will begin another era for the fundraiser, with a new event “for the really serious cyclist.

“The SPUD 100 is named after Danny Frawley, who was an ambassador of our event since its inception, and a real advocate for our charity locally.

“The 100 miles is 160kms and a real challenge for people to take on, either for the avid rider or someone really wanting that challenge to raise money for cancer research in 2020,” she said.

Starting and finishing at Lake Wendouree, the SPUD 100 will go to Buninyong, Dunnstown, Bungaree, which was home to Danny Frawley, over towards Creswick and back into the city.

“People probably need to get training if they’re going to ride 160kms on their bike,” Ms Stapleton laughed. “If you can’t participate, donate.”

Other 50km, 60km, 85km and 100km road rides will also travel the city on the day.

The Ballarat Cycle Classic is set for Sunday, 16 February. Register for all events and find more information at ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.