Cyclists invited to join the Ride for Luke Azzopardi 2023 on Sunday from Cairns Cycling Clubhouse
The mother of a young Far North cyclist says she is overwhelmed by the community’s support ahead of a memorial ride to honour her son who was fatally struck by a car in 2021.
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The mother of a talented young Cairns cyclist who died in a tragic crash two years ago said she had been overwhelmed by the support of the Far North cycling community as they prepare to ride in his honour.
Sue Helmke along with her family and her son’s mates at the Cairns Cycling Club, will Ride for Luke Azzopardi 2023 on Sunday.
The event is open to all cyclists to celebrate the memory of the former state champion who had been selected to join a prestigious cycling development team in Europe before the pandemic hit.
Luke, 19, tragically died in a horrific training crash on February 10, 2021, when his bike collided with a car on Lake Morris Rd at Copperlode.
Shocked fellow cyclists including an off-duty doctor did everything they could to try and save his life but couldn’t.
Since then, the Cairns Cycling Club has honoured his memory with a sculpture and launched a campaign to remember its beloved former member.
Ms Helmke who has helped organise the event which already has close to 100 registrations, said the family were overwhelmed by the community’s ongoing kindness and understanding.
She said every day she thought of her son.
“When I hear about other families impacted by cycling tragedies, I only hope they have a similar amount of such wonderful support as we have had,” she said.
“It makes me feel proud that Luke was such a young man who had a such a big influence on the people around him.
“I miss him every day.”
The Townsville Cycling Club will also hold its own memorial ride, Ms Helmke said.
“I don’t how we would have got through the last two years without this wonderful community,” she said.
“The event is really about connecting with the cycling community.”
Club president James Mort said Mr Azzopardi’s passion for cycling and beautiful nature had him lead, participate and assist in the organisation of numerous charity events around Cairns.
“I feel the main purpose to remember what a great young man Luke was,” he said.
“And to bring to people’s minds the camaraderie of cycling and the importance of riding safely.”
Vice president Damien Ingham said the event was a great chance for cyclists to come together and share their memories of a special person.
“This ride is always a hard occasion but actions speak louder than words,” he said.
“Luke was such a great person and his family have shown such strength after such an atrocity.”
The free event starts at 6.30am from the Cairns Cycling Club clubhouse at 4 Keeble St, Manunda, with a choice of routes over 30 km, 50 km and 70 km ride circuits, followed by a light breakfast.
To register, visit RideNation.com.au
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Originally published as Cyclists invited to join the Ride for Luke Azzopardi 2023 on Sunday from Cairns Cycling Clubhouse
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