Ride the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer

Last year the Mater’s Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer attracted over 5000 riders, taking on a variety of cycling challenges and raising awareness of the essential work that the event supports. Rowan Foster from The Mater had been on course much of the day, and Bicycle Queensland caught up with Rowan soon after midday last year at Southport, when the majority of riders had made it to the finish.

‘The Mater is really delighted with the event this year. With over 5000 riders we raised more than $550 000 to support cancer research. While it started as a wet day the spirits were high amongst the riders, with many smiles and the appreciation of taking on a good challenge by tackling 100km. Of course, it was great to see some blue skies at the finish here in Southport.’

The Brisbane to Gold Coast has had a long history, and now under the direction of The Mater, the event’s legacy is not lost on Rowan – for both the community impact and driving awareness and support of cancer research.

‘This event has really established itself thanks to a long history and the stewardship from Bicycle Queensland. The Mater is really proud to take on the challenge of continuing that success. With over 5000 riders, this event is one of the most popular events in all of Queensland from a mass participation point of view. We’ll continue to provide that opportunity for those who want to take on the cycling challenge but who also want to have a positive community impact as well.’

Those who were part of the ride, or who donated to the fund-raising effort may be asking – just what sort of difference does half a million dollars make for either cancer research or treatment support?

‘The Mater has a really interesting place around this, not only with world-leading cancer research, but also how that transfer works from the bench side to the bedside with our clinical elements in a hospital setting,’ Rowan confirmed. ‘The impact from the fund-raising is really around providing improved treatments for those facing a cancer diagnosis. Chemotherapy can be really brutal and the outcomes can fail. We aim to provide greater hope and the best chance of long term remission for those fighting cancer.’

Here at Bicycle Queensland, the Brisbane to Gold Coast event always offered a way to encourage more people to get out on a bike, to challenge themselves and share that experience with friends. Over the years the impact that made is truly incredible. And the new life with The Mater as the event became the Cycle for Cancer means the impact is even wider.

‘We want to honour the history of the event that Bicycle Queensland have stewarded for so long,’ said Rowan. ‘We’re keen to continue our collaboration with Bicycle Queensland and its members and the wider cycling community to go from strength-to-strength with this event.’

‘The Brisbane to Gold Coast has become a must-do ride for so many people in Queensland,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘The popularity of the event is evident right here, as we are surrounded by thousands of people who have taken up the challenge today.’

‘The Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer has really expanded the appeal of the event, as not only do keen bike riders take part, but those who have family and friends impacted by cancer. I am certain that not just the popularity, but the effectiveness of the event as a change for good will grow under The Mater.’

Get your diary out and and lock in October 12 for the 2025 Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer – don’t miss it!