This afternoon, more than 150 dedicated cyclists will ride onto Spirit of Tasmania to sail overnight from Melbourne to Devonport as part of a 1,270km journey to raise money for cancer research.
Tour de Cure raises funds to support life-saving cancer research, support and prevention projects. The Tour first travelled on Spirit of Tasmania in 2014 when their ride raised $2 million. The aim for this year’s ride is to raise more than $2.2 million.
The Signature Tour group started its journey in Hotham on 24 March and will finish in Hobart on 1 April. The group has cycled through a number of Victorian regional communities over the last few days before they reach Port Melbourne to board Spirit of Tasmania to begin the Tasmanian leg of the journey.
Passengers and crew will be invited to jump on stationary bikes to help the Tour de Cure team pedal as many kilometres as possible on the 429km journey from Port Melbourne to Devonport.
Spirit of Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Bernard Dwyer said the company was pleased to support such a worthy cause and wished the group success in reaching their $2.2 million fundraising target.
“The money raised by Tour de Cure for cancer research makes such a difference to the lives of those touched by cancer. It can have a devastating impact on families and communities and any efforts to reduce cases of preventable cancer should be applauded.”
Tour de Cure Co-Founder and Director of Development Geoff Coombes thanked Spirit of Tasmania for supporting the iconic ride.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Spirit of Tasmania for welcoming us aboard for a second time. The company’s generosity in sponsoring our travel across Bass Strait and the warm welcome we receive from the crew on board is just amazing.”
