Records fall at Johnny Warren Jamberoo Classic

The 96km cycling event from Loftus to Jamberoo raised over $30,000 for Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at RPA.

The popularity of the event continues to increase with over 500 riders taking part.

The extra numbers ensured a hectic morning for organisers with over one hundred people registering on the day, which was very pleasing to event Organiser and Johnny Warren's nephew, Jamie Warren.

"It certainly was a rush we weren't really expecting, but it certainly was welcome," he said.

The weekend was off to a disappointing start with the other events that formed the first annual Johnny Warren Festival of Sport cancelled due to the recent deluge.

"The sunshine definitely brought the smiles today, riders left at the scheduled time and it was pleasing to see so many local riders from the Illawarra and South Coast.

"It was such a wonderful day and with the Kiama Lions raising money, we may well reach $35,000 by the end of the week." he added.

The 2012 event has seen a return home for the event, with SBS coming onboard as a major sponsor. Something that pleased Cycling Central host and Tour de France commentator Michael Tomalaris, who was a friend and former colleague of Johnny's.

"Johnny was such a passionate person and admired by all he worked with at SBS so it's just great to see so many riders here to honour his memory," Tomalaris said.

"It was also wonderful to see Rochelle Gilmore take time out of her Olympic preparations to take part for the second time.
 
The first home was 17-year-old Nowra rider James Rix from Team Torq Nutrition in 2hrs.49mins.

Organisers wish to thank all volunteers for their hard work and the valuable ongoing support of Kiama Lions Club, Frank Fortuna from FRF Sports, Cycling Central and Jamberoo Pub.