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The Prince Of Wales Hospital Ride For Life - NE
Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia, August 14-, 2004
Revisit the Sydney Olympic course
Ride for Life this weekend
By Karen Forman
 |
Athens won't be the only Olympic city hosting a major road racing event this weekend. While the road cycling events at the 2004 Olympics kick off in Greece on Saturday August 14, the site of the Sydney 2000 road race - Centennial Park - will be the venue for a series of races for Olympians, aspiring Olympics and Olympic dreamers, offering a rare opportunity for cyclists of all standards to ride on an Olympic circuit and with some Olympians, while raising money for a cause close to many cyclists' hearts - cancer.
Kicking off near the park's popular Cafe Corner with the masters men's and women's 40km events at 8am, The Ride For Life will also feature an open men's/junior under 19 event from 9.30am, a corporate 20km short course and Family and Friends 10km Race from noon, an under 13, under 11 and under nine 7km handicap from 12.50pm, a corporate 40km long course at 1.15pm and an under 17 men and women 15km at 2.40pm. The event will finish off with Under 15 boys and girls 10km at 3.10pm.
Race director Phill Bates says the program boasts "something for everyone" and provides a rare opportunity for keen cyclists, regular racers and social cyclists to compete on a car-free circuit. The fact that it was a major part of Sydney's Olympics circuit gives it an added attraction.
There will also be plenty to see for people who don't want to ride themselves. Los Angeles Olympics gold medallist Kevin Nichols is sure to attract plenty of spectators when he takes on his national champion daughter, Kate. Nichols has been acting as Kate's assistant for the past couple of years, but told Cyclingnews during a 2003 interview that he didn't think he would get back on the bike again, suggesting his daughter was "too fast for me"! Also in the elite line-up will be Matt Bazzano and his wife Kathleen (nee Shannon), a dual Olympian and now mother of two.
"It's going to be a great day of cycling," Bates said. "And then to top it off, that night we have a dinner at the Randwick Labor Club, at which guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, hear guest speaker Mike Whitney and be able to watch the Olympic road race live on the big screen. We have sold 240 tickets already and there are around 80 left, for $40 each."
Also on course but not riding will be VIPs like Peter Garrett, the local Federal Labor candidate, who will flag the Masters and Women's 40 kilometre race away at 8am. And not on course, but there in spirit will be event ambassador, Athens Olympian Ben Kersten and Patron Mark Latham, the Leader of the Opposition, for whom the cause has special meaning as he has survived testicular cancer.
Money raised from the event (entry is $25) will go to the Prince of Wales Hospital Oncology Department to assist with research and the ongoing fight against cancer. The brainchild of Sydney lawyer Rick Christie who survived testicular cancer, then was inspired after reading Tour de France icon Lance Armstrong's book about his battle with testicular cancer, the event has strong links with Armstrong's Tour of Hope.
All entrants on Saturday will go into a draw to win the chance to ride the Tour of Hope with Armstrong.
With The Trust Company underwriting the entire cost of the event, all money raised will go to charity, a fact of which Bates is extremely proud. "We really want it to go well so we can make it into an annual event," he said. "Cycling Australia is supportive, seeing it as a great way to expand the sport of cycling into other areas; while with cancer affecting so many people, we really want to raise as much money as possible for the hospital as well. Plus, show the riders a good day as well."
While entries have been flowing in, the organisers are still seeking entries from the corporate sector (who can enter as individuals or in corporate teams of three) and younger riders. Pre-entry is preferred, although late entries will be accepted for a fee on the day.
One such corporate team will be accompanying Team MGZT, which is participating in the Ride for Life. The corporate team will comprise three staff members from MG Cars Australia. Cyclingnews readers can support this charity by sponsoring riders from Team MGZT or MG Cars via the team's web site: www.teammgzt.com. Supporters can pledge an amount per lap, for finishing, or a combination of the two, or can make an outright donations.
People interested in taking part or volunteering as a helper on the day can contact Phill Bates (within Australia) on 02 95705556 (mobile 0419127189) or through the hospital on 93822589. Further information can be found at www.rideforlife.org.au.
The Races
- Race 1 - August 14: Masters/Women , 40km
- Race 2 - August 14: Open Men/Junior under 19 , 80k
- Race 3 - August 14: Corporate short course , 20km
- Race 4 - August 14: Family and Friends , 10km
- Race 5 - August 14: Under 13, under 11 and under 9 handicap , 7km
- Race 6 - August 14: Corporate long course , 40km
- Race 7 - August 14: Under 17 men and women , 15km
- Race 8 - August 14: Under 15 boys and girls , 10km
