Joe Tooma (CEO, Diabetes Australia Qld), Cameron Prout (CEO, Heart Foundation), Michael Voss and Steve Wilson (Chairman, Wilson HTM Investment Group) at the launch at the Nepalese Pagoda, South Bank.

Former Brisbane Lions Captain Michael Voss yesterday officially launched the 2007 Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge.

Mr Voss said he encouraged people to show their support for fit and active lifestyles and help raise money for Diabetes Australia (Qld) and the Heart Foundation by participating in the 100km ride.

“Research into finding a cure for diabetes is something I have a very personal interest in as my wife has diabetes and I am aware of the challenges faced by people who live with the disease,” he said.

“Leading an active lifestyle and being fit is a great way to help prevent, or at least manage diabetes and if you take up the challenge of this bike ride you will certainly be taking steps in the right direction.”

Mr Voss participated in the inaugural ride in 2005 and said he was looking forward to this year’s event.

The Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge is organised annually by Bicycle Queensland and will be held on Sunday October 7.

Wilson HTM Investment Group Executive Chairman Steve Wilson, also issued a challenge to other corporates to participate in the event.

“Over 60 Wilson HTM employees took part in the event last year and it would be great to see other large corporates get involved this year,” Mr Wilson said.

“The event not only promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, it also helps raise money for both Diabetes Australia (Qld) and the Heart Foundation,” Mr Wilson said.

Bicycle Queensland Event Director John Franklin said the ride would start from South Bank and then head along the South-East Busway for 15 kilometres of traffic-free travel.

“The exclusive use of the South-East Busway is a unique feature of this ride and it will be fantastic to see the busway filled with thousands of cyclists,” Mr Franklin said.

“After leaving the busway at Eight Mile Plains the riders will use a combination of the “Velo 1” (V1) and service roads adjacent to the M1 before finishing at Southport.

“To complete 100kms in a day is a great achievement for any cyclist and the fact that so many people are keen to take up this challenge is a great indicator of how popular cycling is and how many people are interested in an active and healthy lifestyle.”

As well as contributing to their own health and fitness, by participating in the Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge riders are also raising money for diabetes and cardiovascular disease research.

“A percentage of the entry fee from each rider will be donated to Diabetes Australia (Queensland) and the Heart Foundation and riders are encouraged to get sponsored and raise further funds for research,” Mr Franklin said.

Diabetes Australia (Queensland) Chief Executive Officer Joe Tooma added: “Last year our organisation received $60,000 for research and this year is shaping up to be even bigger.”

“Not only does the challenge raise money for diabetes and cardiovascular disease research, it also gets people active through cycling. Heart disease is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, so we are proud to be partnered with the Heart Foundation for this event.”

Heart Foundation Chief Executive Officer Cameron Prout said participating in the Wilson HTM Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge was one step people could take to improve their fitness.

“Our desire to motivate people to increase their physical activity and vision for Australia to have the best cardiovascular health in the world makes us very excited to be a part of the Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge,” Mr Prout said.

“CVD is Australia’s leading cause of death, claiming one life every 10 minutes and we all need to work together to reduce this alarming statistic.”

The Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Challenge is not a race and cyclists ranging from teenagers to octogenarians are expected to take part.

“The ride is as easy or as hard as you make it but if you are an occasional rider or a moderately fit person there is no reason why you can’t complete this ride. With the motivation of 5000 cyclists, you’ll be surprised at how far you can ride,” Mr Franklin said.