Vancouver Canuck Trevor Linden joined cyclists, cycling fans and cancer survivors to kick off the Westside Cycling Classic outside the B.C Cancer Foundation's offices on Thursday.
Tour de France veteran Axel Merckx and gold medalist Ross Rebagliati, along with cancer survivor and fundraiser Andrew Gregory and cancer survivor MLA Sindi Hawkins also showed up for the event.
The June 1st ride is a follow up to last year's "tour of courage" ride with Lance Armstrong, and will run along West 10th Avenue and through the UBC Endowment Lands.
There will also be a 12.5 km ride for participants aged 12 to 17, and a two-block ride for cyclists aged four to 11. For more information, and a map, visit: www.cycleforcancer.com.
"I've been visiting kids in the hospital for 20 years," said Linden. "And it's proof that the research that's being done and the help we're giving the foundation is saving lives.
"Prevention is huge and the difference it's making in children's, and adult's, lives is tremendous," he said.
"And the proof is standing right behind us. It's an excellent opportunity to come out for a ride, so sign up today."
MLA Sindi Hawkins told the crowd she is a cancer survivor.
"I know from personal experience if it wasn't for cancer research, I wouldn't be here today," she said. "Stem cell research helped saved my life, and that's why events like this are so important."
Funds raised will go to the B.C. Cancer Agency, which provides a province-wide, population-based cancer control program to everyone in B.C., including prevention, early detection, care and research.
