Socceroo legend Johnny Warren and a peloton of over 500 cyclists?

Yes that's right... Not two things that are mentioned together all that often but for the past five 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 Tomalaris.

"The 2008 event raised $11,000 - thanks largely to a core group of commited riders who travelled all parts of NSW to be part of the fundraiser.

Cycling personalities have pledged their support in 2009 - these include 2002 world champion Sean Eadie, Olympian Rochelle Gilmore and Beijing Paralypic bronze medallist Jayme Paris.

Commonwealth Games champion Ben Kersten and Michael Milton, who swapped world record skis for two wheels, are some of cycling's celebrities who have made the trek down the NSW South Coast for the 100km social ride of the year.

The 2009 ride will start from Sunday January 4, starting at Waratah Park in Loftus at 7.30am.

The course takes in the scenic surroundings of the Royal National Park to Otford, powering along the Sea Cliff Bridge to Stuart Park, Wollongong, before heading further south to Jamberoo for the arrival at the historic pub.

Riders are guaranteed some fun along the way, according to Johnny's nephew Jamie Warren – who runs the family pub at Jamberoo and co-organises the event.

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 the TV Cycling Central when 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 $45, and $70 for a family of two adults and two children.

Riders are encouraged to register online at the official website at www.johnnywarrenjamberroclassic.com.au

For more information and to organise interviews please contact Jamie Warren on (02) 4236 0270 or Mike Tomalaris on 0414-586052.