More than 200 riders and support crew hit the road last Friday on the annual Tour de Cure Signature Tour, a nine-day cycling event aiming to raise $2 million for cancer research, support programs and prevention projects Australia-wide.

The tour started in Canberra and will finish in Hobart on Saturday.

Over the course of the journey, riders are challenged to cover 1,400km and approximately 20,000m of elevation, cycling through regional towns and communities while raising awareness of cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.

The 2026 Signature Tour is also delivering direct support to communities along the route, benefiting vital services in rural and regional areas.

The cyclists and support crews stopped overnight in Corryong on the second day of the event and were hosted by the Lions Club at a dinner that evening where a donation of $10,000 was made to Corryong Health.

Marking its 20th year, the 2026 Signature Tour has grown from humble beginnings into one of Australia’s most inspiring and impactful charity cycling events and Tour de Cure’s single biggest event fundraiser. Over two decades, Tour de Cure has raised more than $158 million, funded more than 1,220 cancer research, prevention and support programs including research that’s contributed to 231 world-class scientific breakthroughs.

CEO of Tour de Cure, David Mann, said this milestone reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to funding impactful cancer research and support services.

“Reaching our 20th year of Signature Tour is an incredible milestone and a testament to the passion and commitment of our community, riders, volunteers and supporters,” he said.

“Every dollar raised will help fund vital cancer research, prevention and support programs, giving more Australians the chance to live healthier, cancer-free lives.”

Mark Beretta OAM, tour rider and board member and sport broadcaster, is undertaking his 17th consecutive event this year.

“I keep coming back because of the incredible work Tour de Cure is doing, funding research that I’ve seen first-hand change outcomes and save lives,” he said.

“The cause means even more to me now having lost my father to cancer in September 2025 and my mum battling stage 4 ovarian cancer.”

Mr Beretta hosted a live cross to the ‘Sunrise’ program from Corryong when the tour departed early on day three.

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 19 March 2026.