The Johnny Warren Jamberoo Classic started from humble beginnings in 2003 when SBS sports presenter Michael Tomalaris gathered a group of riders to film a segment for the Cycling Central show.

The segment focused on the joys of cycling at a social level, riding in a group situation and enjoying the sights and camaraderie along the way.

The village of Jamberoo, situated on the NSW south coast, was nominated as the finishing point simply because the SBS crew were friends with former Socceroo captain Johnny Warren whose family owns the historic Jamberoo Pub - and it seemed a fitting place to unwind after 100 kilometres of riding.


Photo by Roland Chua

A memory that has stayed in the minds of those who took part in the inaugural ride was Johnny welcoming the small group of 25 riders. He made the effort despite fighting several forms of cancer at the time.

Johnny lost his battle on November 6, 2004 - just three weeks before a follow-up segment was to be filmed for Cycling Central.

As a tribute, Tomalaris decided to name the event after Johnny - hence the Johnny Warren Jamberoo Classic was born.

Numbers have steadily grown in the ensuing years. In 2008, more than 250 riders lined up for the start in the southern Sydney suburb of Loftus. More than $10,000 was raised for the Sydney Cancer Centre.

More recently, in 2009, over 500 cyclists took part raising well over $25,000 for the Sydney Cancer Centre, the highest ever for this event.

Cycling personalities such as Commonwealth Games champion Ben Kersten, world record downhill skier Michael Milton and Olympian Rochelle Gilmore have donated their time by also taking part at one time or another.

Riders' contribute by donating funds which are been sent directly to the Sydney Cancer Centre at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital - the location which treated Johnny until his passing.

Although Johnny Warren had no direct ties with cycling, his reputation as an elite Australian sporting hero and his public battle with a disease which eventually took his life is the sole reason for continuing and expanding a wonderful event which has brought enjoyment to those who have taken part.