The Final Day Tour De Cure 2007

Team Vittoria from the road.

It was a wet and windy final day for the 2007 Tour de Cure. The
pelaton rose early to meet at the Vault at the Entertainment Quarter
at 5am to head into the last phase of this years tour. There was a
great spirit amongst all the riders as they had sorely missed each
other over the last 24 hours. Although there were no pancakes,
oatmeal or coffee available, the spirits were still high as Con
'Paris' Athans, passed around Dencorub and suggested it could be used
as _______ cream for the day to keep us warm. Althought not many
riders took him up on the offer we left the warmth of the Vault to
brave the wet cold and windy elements to head to the Channel 7
Sunrise studios in Martin Place. It was a dangerous and precarious
ride to Channel 7, with the cross winds and mini tornados blowing
across the city. However all the team arrived in tact, and we had a
great morning with Monique from the Sunrise program. The team starred
in several crosses to discuss the route, the donations, the charities
and the 'house of pain' that had kept us going for 10 days.

It was great exposure for the corporate supporters of the Tour as
Sydney City Lexus, Dencorub, Vittoria Coffee, Ella Bache received
plenty of signage opportunities. Celebrities Wayne Gardiner, Jayne
Fleming and Guy Leech showed their support by turning up in team
colours, to be a part of the breakfast cross.

After a photo shoot in the mall and a farewell from Monique and the
Channel 7 cameras, we headed up to the Tropicana Cafe in Darlinghurst
for a quick breakfast. During this time the team scoped out First
Fleet Park for the final concluding concert with the Choir Boys. Just
after 11am the team rolled out in once again windy rainy cold
blustery conditions. After an easy roll down to First Fleet Park the
team were welcomed by a rendition of 'Along for the Ride by Drew
McAllister and Geoff Robertson. The hair rose on the back of the
riders necks as we entered the stage area to the welcoming applause
of the charities, friends, families and onlookers. It was a reat way
to put final closure on the 2007 Tour de Cure. Hard core Australian
rockers The Choir Boys braved the elements and turned up to rock the
house with 'Run to Paradise', as the final farewell to the Tour. Our
riding helmets go off to the boys from the Choir Boys who, although
played in tragic conditions on a wet and damp park, brought it on the
day, and never once hesitated in plugging in the guitars and turning
it up. Thanks boys.

Its been an awesome event, and enough has been said of the success of
the Tour. Every rider should know that they have now left a
significant legacy on this world. If nothing else ever happens in the
lives of the 23 riders and 6 support staff, you can feel comfortable
in the fact that you have left a legacy in helping to find a cure for
Cancer. As a united bunch of 29 tour participants, we have a common
dream to see one day a cure found for Cancer. It may not be on the
back of the Tour in 2007 but it will be during our time on the bike.