THE JOHNNY WARREN JAMBEROO CLASSIC
SUNDAY JANUARY 2008

AUSTRALIAN football legend Johnny Warren and a peloton of over 200 cyclists?
Yes that's right... Not two things that are mentioned together all that often but for the past four years a core group of cyclists led by SBS cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris, have made the 96km trek from Loftus to Jamberoo their own.

"The event is getting bigger and better every year and is all about raising as much money as we can for the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation," said Mr Tomalaris.

"The 2007 event raised $5,000 and was thanks largely to a core group of committed riders and support from the Kiama independent, who are onboard once again as major sponsor. Our thanks also go to Ben Kersten, Frank Fortuna and Kyle Patterson who continue to support the event," he added.

The 2008 ride will be held on Sunday January 6, starting at Waratah Park in Loftus at 7.30am. Randwick Botany riders will leave at 6am from the Randwick Gates of Centennial Park for a bunch ride to the start, giving ample time for registration before the official start at 7.30am. After battling the national park climb into Otford, powering along the Sea Cliff Bridge to Stuart Park, further south to Shellharbour to their final destination of Jamberoo Pub. Riders are certainly install for some fun along the way, according to Johnny's nephew Jamie Warren – who co-organises the event.

"This year we thought of incorporating a bit of football along the way and there will be a juggling contest at Stuart Park and we are looking at a combined cycling and football quiz back at the pub that should keep everyone entertained," said Jamie.

Much of Jamie's time is now devoted to raising funds for the Johnny Warren Football Foundation and the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and he too was surprised by a cycling event being named in his uncle's honour..

"The first year they held the ride (2003) it was for a segment for Cycling Central on SBS and Johnny actually met them here at the pub.

"It is a great sign of respect that Mike as a colleague and a friend to Johnny continues to show such commitment to honouring his memory, which is what it is all about. Johnny was Vice - Patron of the SCCF when he unfortunately lost his own personal battle to cancer in 2004," added Jamie.

The cost of the ride is $25 for adults, $15 for children, and $70 for a family of two adults and two children. A map of the event will be available mid December and riders can register their interest by emailing organisers at jwjc2008@gmail.com

For more information and to organise interviews please contact Jamie Warren on
(02) 4236 0270