Graham leads inaugural Tour de Cure ride

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By Greg Johnson

Former Australian women's road champion Lorian Graham is leading a star studded cast at the inaugural Tour de Cure, a charity ride from Brisbane to Sydney which is helping raise funds for three cancer-related organisations. Graham, who was injured in the German training accident which claimed the life of former teammate Amy Gillett, is completing the ride with triathlete Maxine Seer, Olympic swimmer Duncan Armstrong and a troop of everyday riders.

"There are thousands of courageous men, women, and children battling cancer every day," noted Armstrong. "So it's up to the rest of us to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work to fund research for a cure. The Tour de Cure is an opportunity to put our healthy bodies to work for people in need of a cure from cancer. Isn't that worth riding a few hundred kilometers for?"

The nine leg ride, which commenced at Brisbane's Myer Queen Street Mall on Monday, continues today with the 137 kilometre ride from Ballina to Grafton. The tour concludes on Wednesday, June 6 when the riders will be joined by ironman Guy Leech for a 91 kilometre ride from Gosford to Sydney's Pitt Street Mall.

Organisers of the event originally set a target of raising $300,000 in funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Camp Quality, but donations have already exceeded the figure. It's now hoped the figure, which currently sits at $310,076 will break the $400,000 mark.

"Our team is made up of 23 fantastic men and women who are all passionate about cycling," said event co-founder Geoff Coombes. "To be able to do something we love for such a great cause is the ultimate. Hope to see you all out there on the road!"

To follow the rider's progress, via the event's blog, or to make a donation, visit the Tour de Cure website here.