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AUSTRALIAN football legend Johnny
Warren and a peloton of over 200 cyclists?
Yes that's right... Not two things that are
mentioned together all that often but for the past
four years a core group of cyclists led by SBS
cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris, have made the
96km trek from Loftus to Jamberoo their own.
"The event is getting bigger and better every year
and is all about raising as much money as we can for
the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation," said Mr
Tomalaris.
"The 2007 event raised $5,000 and was thanks
largely to a core group of committed riders and
support from the Kiama independent, who are onboard
once again as major sponsor. Our thanks also go to
Ben Kersten, Frank Fortuna and Kyle Patterson who
continue to support the event," he added.
The 2008 ride will be held on Sunday January 6,
starting at Waratah Park in Loftus at 7.30am.
Randwick Botany riders will leave at 6am from the
Randwick Gates of Centennial Park for a bunch ride
to the start, giving ample time for registration
before the official start at 7.30am. After
battling the national park climb into Otford,
powering along the Sea Cliff Bridge to Stuart Park,
further south to Shellharbour to their final
destination of Jamberoo Pub. Riders are certainly
install for some fun along the way, according to
Johnny's nephew Jamie Warren – who co-organises the
event.
"This year we thought of incorporating a bit of
football along the way and there will be a juggling
contest at Stuart Park and we are looking at a
combined cycling and football quiz back at the pub
that should keep everyone entertained," said Jamie.
Much of Jamie's time is now devoted to raising funds
for the Johnny Warren Football Foundation and the
Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and he too was
surprised by a cycling event being named in his
uncle's honour..
"The first year they held the ride (2003) it was for
a segment for Cycling Central on SBS and Johnny
actually met them here at the pub.
"It is a great sign of respect that Mike as a
colleague and a friend to Johnny continues to show
such commitment to honouring his memory, which is
what it is all about. Johnny was Vice - Patron of
the SCCF when he unfortunately lost his own personal
battle to cancer in 2004," added Jamie.
The cost of the ride is $25 for adults, $15 for
children, and $70 for a family of two adults and two
children. A map of the event will be available mid
December (See 2007 map below left) and riders can
register their interest by emailing organisers at
jwjc2008@gmail.com
For more information and to organise interviews
please contact Jamie Warren on (02) 4236 0270 |
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