With over 180 participants and 370km covered, VIC Discovery Tour 2025 was an epic physical challenge and a powerful demonstration of the community’s commitment to cancer research.
And this year’s Tour exceeded all expectations with more than $570,000 raised so far, surpassing the fundraising total from previous years.
This incredible sum will enable lifesaving cancer research at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), and cutting-edge projects that require an initial investment to take off. In a challenging time for medical research funding, initiatives like VIC Discovery Tour are vital.
Our VIC Discovery Tour 2025 Support Crew correspondents, PhD students Fenna Feenstra and Alea Radcke, shared their highlights:
On day 1: “We loved having breakfast at sunrise by the sea and hearing the “why” behind the VIC Discovery Tour team’s commitment to the cause on the first day.”
On day 2: “Visiting Highton Primary School and the Tour de Cure Values winners being announced over a delicious dinner.”
And of course, the highlight of the final day was witnessing the brave riders cross the finish line. But the cherry on the cake was spotting dolphins on the Point Lonsdale to Sorrento ferry.
We are incredibly proud of the ONJCRI staff and students who joined the ride as cyclists and support crew. They have proved that researchers driving cancer discoveries can also be dedicated athletes and supporters.
This year’s ONJCRI team included:
- Riders: Prof Marco Herold (CEO of ONJCRI), Dr Quentin Gouil (lab head), A/Prof Peter Janes (Senior Scientist), Ellie Ritchie, Liam Neil, Bec Brown (PhD students).
- Support Crew: Dr Christine De Nardo (COO of ONJCRI), Dr Renzo Fenati (Research Support), Kerryn Westcott (Program Manager), Fenna Feenstra, Alea Radcke (PhD students).
Importantly, we want to express our huge thanks to the individuals, sponsors, and Tour de Cure team who made this adventure a reality.
Coles, IAG, Commonwealth Bank, Supagas, Mars Wrigley, Viva Energy: we are delighted to have been on this adventure with you. Thank you for inspiring your teams to join the ride, and for your commitment to research.
Team Tour de Cure: thank you for believing in our mission and hosting this incredible event in support of our cancer research. We are looking forward to sharing the results from our scientists’ work funded by this year’s Tour.
There is still time to donate to VIC Discovery Tour 2025. If you would like to make a contribution to lifesaving cancer research, visit https://vicdiscovery.tourdecure.com.au/
