West Australian cycling warriors are being urged to use their passion for cycling to support life-changing medical research that aims to drastically reduce the rate of cancers that don't respond to treatment.
Registration is now open for Australia's biggest cycling fundraising ride the MACA Cancer200, where thousands of amateur cyclists will ride from Perth to Mandurah and back over two days in October.
The 200-kilomentre ride will start and finish at Perth's iconic new Optus Stadium, with all funds raised to fast track cancer research that will transform treatment options and survival rates for patients.
The MACA Cancer200 on October 26-27 aims to raise $4 million to allow ground-breaking laboratory research to go ahead at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
Cycling fan and cancer survivor Steve Williams is entering his seventh race this year.
"When I finished my treatment, I wanted to make a difference and this race fitted the bill perfectly," Steve said.
"We stop along the way as we go, and you meet so many people who all share such a positive attitude to have fun and make a difference.
"If people are looking to get fit heading into the warmer months, now is the time to get the bike out of the garage and start training."
Perkins Director Professor Peter Leedman says the MACA Cancer200 is a ride not a race with an emphasis on fun and the social aspect.
"We have riders who join us every year for a terrific couple of days where amazing camaraderie and spirit is on display," Professor Leedman said.
"Many of our community have personal experience of cancer and so it means so much to them to jump on the bike and make a difference.
"This is a very special event in WA, and we hope as many people as possible can join us in raising valuable funds so our research team can make amazing discoveries in our labs.
"We know from experience that people who are keen cyclists will love this event because it's a great way to have a goal, strive towards it, see some wonderful scenery and make such an impact on people's lives."
