B.C.’s 2023 Tour de Cure ride has currently generated $7.1 million for cancer research.

Over 1,500 cyclists hailing from various corners of the globe have gathered in the Fraser Valley this weekend to partake in the Tour de Cure charity cycling event.

Authorities have confirmed that this year’s ride has managed to amass a staggering $7.1 million exclusively for the BC Cancer Foundation, an impressive achievement thus far.

Even though air quality advisories cautioned about the presence of wildfire smoke in the vicinity, the ride proceeded as planned as the risk level was categorized as “moderate.”

Furthermore, the weather forecast predicts a notably scorching day in the region. Nevertheless, in the face of these circumstances, organizers have highlighted the unwavering determination of participants who remained undeterred from participating.

“We have informed all of our riders it will be a hot weekend and we will have aid stations every 20 to 25 kilometres,” Sarah Roth said, BC Cancer Foundation’s president.

The journey commenced on Saturday morning from Cloverdale, with cyclists embarking on a route leading them to Chilliwack over the course of the day. A subsequent ride through Chilliwack is slated for Sunday.

Upon the ride’s conclusion, participants will have covered a distance exceeding 200 kilometers.

“Everyone knows somebody with cancer and the more we can invest in research … that spring the hope for cancer patients,” Roth said.