"For us, and for the Tour de Cure team, it's more about raising money for all cancers and raising awareness about them, rather than it being about the cycling itself."
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Michael and Cate Jorgensen have just returned from the Tour de Cure, kicking goals by raising almost $15,000 - two grand more than Michael's target.
Their contribution added to the record $2.6 million raised by the whole tour.
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Cancer-survivor Michael's feet were on the pedals for the 900km journey, with two years of preparation after COVID knocked last year's ride down.
Cate, on the other hand, was in the "super organised" support team - with just two days notice after stepping up to take a last minute vacancy.
"It was fantastic, I spent one day with the CEO and it was amazing to hear him talk about his future plans for the Tour," Cate enthused.
"It was great to have her there to experience the whole thing, because a lot of the meaning cannot be expressed in words - it was so powerful," Michael added.
In a special move, Michael was "humbled" after being awarded the pink jersey for bravery on night two. There are 20 jerseys, with 77 riders.
They've come away with more knowledge and a steely determination to do "whatever they can" to raise money for cancer research.
"Honestly, I'm not tired at all - I'm revved. We're already planning the next one. I'd love to raise the conversation about health for men, because it's something many don't talk about. That has to change," Michael said.
"I'll be riding next year, but I've been thinking about how to do other things in the meantime," Cate noted.
Both thanked the entire Inverell community for the support shown to them on their mission.
Not only raising money for cancer research, the pair were super proud of the fact the Tour gave back to the communities on the route.
Just some of the stops included Glen Innes, with $10,000 donated to CanAssist, $10,000 donated to Armidale's UNE, another 10 grand for CanDo Cancer trust in Grafton, and $10,000 to the Tamworth hospital.
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