The Honourable Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland officially launched the 2007 Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge on Wednesday 30th July.

Premier Anna Bligh said she encouraged people to show their support for fit and active lifestyles and help raise money for the Heart Foundation and Diabetes Australia (Qld) by participating in the ride.

Premier Anna Bligh has participated in the event previously and said she was looking forward to completing the full 100km this year.

“I will be hopping on the bike and pushing the pedals to help these worthy causes,” Ms Bligh said.

“I will be writing to Queensland business leaders encouraging them to join my peloton and ride alongside me. Businesses will be invited to participate in the peloton at a cost of $5,000 and money raised will be distributed to both charities.”

Bicycle Queensland Manager, Ben Wilson, said the ride was not only about participation but also demonstrating the benefits of cycling to health and the environment.

“More people than ever are turning to bikes as an alternative source of transport,” he said.

“More than 1.2 million bikes were sold in Australia last year and we’d like to see cycling help solve the traffic congestion and health issues Queenslanders face.”

“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.”

Organisers are encouring more female and Gold Coast riders to participate in the event this year.

Cyclists representing Bicycle Queensland and Wilson HTM at the event launch.

At the launch: Wilson HTM general manager Alex Ihlenfeldt, Diabetes Australia - Qld CEO Michelle Trute, the Premier, Heart Foundation Qld CEO Cameron Prout and Bicycle Queensland manager Ben Wilson.