Tour de Rock riders conquer the Malahat for kids with cancer

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WatchAfter 12 intense days on the road, Tour de Rock cyclists are gliding into the homestretch, taking on one of their biggest physical obstacles - the Malahat. But as Kori Sidaway tells us, that test is nothing compared to what the kids they're pedaling for, have to face.

Twelve gruelling days, nine hundred kilometres biked across the island and on Wednesday, Tour de Rock riders took on the Malahat.

Sooke’s own Lily Lecinana was there to cheer on the riders at one of the steepest sections.

“I made this sign for the Tour de Rock for you guys to keep on going and I’m getting stronger and faster as I go! So hopefully I’ll be out there riding my bike soon!” said 10-year-old Lecinana in a video posted by Tour de Rock on their twitter.

Lecinana is battling stage four cancer and many are riding for her.

“The physical part is very easy,” said Michael Smith, a military police officer at CFB Esquimalt.

“But the emotional part, you can’t train for that.”

From Port Alice to Victoria and everywhere in between, the generosity of fellow islanders shines through during Tour de Rock.

“It’s humbling, seeing where all the money is going, it’s amazing,” said Gord Burton, a military police officer with CFB Comox.

Rders have raised over $900,000 so far.

It’s money that will go towards the many kids across the province that are battling cancer by funding their treatments, preventative research, and support services.

It’s a cause Belmont High School students also decided to support.

“It’s just really hard seeing other people going through things and it feels good to help them out and say that we’re there for them,” said Belmont Secondary Student Navya Pottumutu.

“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been affected by cancer. Everyone knows someone, so it’s just important to help out people that need it,” said Mathew Wilson a grade 12 Belmont Secondary Student.

“Cancer is something that we need to beat,” added student Zaki Ali.

For the riders, while it may be almost all downhill from here, they’re still very aware of the uphill battle being fought by others.

Kori SidawayKori Sidaway

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