Community
28 January, 2024
Cyclists to remember Luke
COMPETITIVE, amateur, and social cyclists across the Far North are being encouraged to celebrate the memory of Cairns’ top young cyclist Luke Azzopardi next month in the annual Ride for Luke.
More than 100 riders of all ages and abilities are expected to join the 2024 Ride for Luke that will depart from the Cairns Cycling Club clubhouse on Keeble St on Sunday, February 18, from 6.30am. The event is free to attend, and registrations are open through the club’s Facebook page.
It is held annually to celebrate the life, achievements, and spirit of the cycling rising star from Gordonvale, who tragically died in 2021 at age 19 in a fatal traffic accident.
The Ride for Luke looks to gather cyclists from across the Far North to celebrate his memory and humble personality while also raising awareness on the importance of road safety.
Cairns Cycling Club head coach Richie Bates said the ride was an opportunity for cyclists to gather and commemorate Luke’s talent and charitable spirit.
“The ride will begin and end at our clubhouse at 6.30am and we’ll have different rides to cater to cyclists of all abilities, including expert riders. Closer to the date we will update the distances of the different rides,” Mr Bates said.
“This ride is to remember the person Luke was, humble but so talented and I’ve never met a more selfless person in my life, he touched many people’s lives even though he had a short life. He was one of the top fundraisers for the Cardiac Challenge starting at about 11 years old, so he had a great network of friends he raced with.
“It’s also about recognising road safety because cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users and we need to be mindful about safety and do it in the name of Luke who was such a special person.”
Luke’s mother Sue Helmke encouraged people of all abilities and ages to join the ride and connect as a community.
“Luke was a very community-minded person, and he had a real passion for cycling which he developed through Cairns Cycling Club, and he was always safety-conscious. He was also heavily involved in the Cardiac Challenge which was one of his passions,” she said.
“This is the first event the club holds for the year, and it brings everybody together at the start of the year and we get to reflect and share memories about Luke but also connect with each other. It’s a great event to just get on your bike and connect with people, doesn’t matter what ability you’ll find someone to ride with you.”
For more information and to register visit the Cairns Cycling Club Facebook Page.
