Armed Crime Squad detectives have announced a $500,000 reward as part of their investigation into the shooting of a then 72-year-old cyclist who was left for dead in Everton in 2017.
Kelvin Tennant was riding along the Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail when he was shot a number of times about 12pm on Saturday 18 February.
It's believed the shooter left the area in a dark-coloured sedan.
Kelvin was found lying unconscious on the ground with gunshot wounds to his head and chest on the bike trail by two passing cyclists who called for an ambulance.
The Ringwood man was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in a life-threatening condition and took months to recover from his injuries.
Two years later, he's still experiencing issues with his eyesight and hearing due to the shooting.
Armed Crime Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said while the shooting occurred in a remote area, it was a popular area for visitors.
"The Great Alpine Road area and the surrounding townships of Bright and Myrtleford attract a lot of tourists," he said.
"The Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail also attracts hundreds of cyclists during the warmer weather.
"It's very possible that an interstate visitor on holidays in north-eastern Victoria that weekend has seen something but doesn't realise that what they know could be important.
"We ask anyone who was in the vicinity or passed through the Everton area on the weekend of 18 February in 2017 to think back to what they remember from that day and contact police with any information."
After two years of investigation, detectives have not been able to determine why Kelvin was targeted by the offender.
"Kelvin was simply out enjoying riding his motorised bike along rail trail when someone has tried to kill him," he said.
"Throughout all our enquiries, nothing has been found to indicate any possible motive.
"Someone out there knows who is responsible for trying to kill an innocent man who was simply out enjoying an afternoon ride and we hope this reward can bring forward new information so we can find the person responsible and bring them before the courts."
A reward of up to $500,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting.
In appropriate cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions may consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
