Sixteen riders making up the 27th Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock team received their official jerseys on Friday afternoon, Sept. 13 during an emotional send-off ceremony held at Camosun College's Young Building.
The riders were called one by one to receive the iconic jerseys from the different guest presenters.
Insp. Andrew Burton with the Nanaimo RCMP handed the official jersey to his colleague, Const. Ian George who told Black Press Media they have been training since early April.
"Tuesdays were dedicated to hill climbing up on Doumont Mountain in Nanaimo where we would ride up and down for about 15 minutes, four times each training session," George said. "We did about 800 meters of climbing, usually as short as an hour and a half and on Sundays, up to five hours."
The longest training rides they have done were over 100 kilometres.
"It's nice to see that we we'll be donning these amazing jerseys in a few days,' he added excitedly.
The event marks the last official event before the riders set off to cycle 1,200-kilometres on Vancouver Island on Sept. 21. They will be cycling for two weeks to help raise money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society.
George got emotional talking about what the ride means to him personally. "Whenever we're complaining about our training rides, when we're complaining about the weather, we know that there is a small human being that has had a family that's been through cancer. It just means more."
There were a handful of cancer survivors and honorary riders at the event including Rafael Fuentes who came with his partner Lisa Ryan and son, Zeni. Fuentes' two-year old daughter, Madrona died on June 24, 2013 after fighting acute myeloid leukemia for more than a year. He has supported Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock since 2012.
"It's kind of a staple every year to support the riders, and really, it's also a support for us. We all need the support from each other to continue on," Fuentes added.
Speaking on behalf of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, who have been a Tour de Rock partner for the past 27 years, Dean Duthie, Saanich Police Department chief reminded the riders they carry with them not just the weight of the ride but the weight of the cause much larger than any one person.
"While the hills might be steep and the miles long, remember that you are never truly riding alone, Duthie said. "Every community you pass through, every family you meet, every child that cheers for you on the roadsides is a reminder of the impact you are making. You are riding for the kids affected by cancer."
Duthie also acknowledged the unsung heroes of Tour de Rock - the many donors past and present, who continue to support the mission of helping kids with cancer.
Come Saturday, Sept. 21, the riders will be shuttled up from Victoria to Port Alice where they will ride down for two weeks finishing on Oct. 4 in front of the Legislature Building.
