When James Tobin cycled from Sutherland to Wollongong in New South Wales on his first Tour de Cure ride more than a decade ago, it was further than he’d ever ridden and he knew “nothing” about training for it. “But I loved it,” he says. “The people, the purpose, the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.”
The TV presenter has since completed countless kilometres with Tour de Cure and is now one of its most passionate advocates. Along the way, his connection became personal. “My mum died from breast cancer,” he says. “She’d been in remission for more than a decade but it came back. That was incredibly tough. Through Tour de Cure, we were able to get her original medical team back together. That support meant a lot to us.” On every tour, he hears many stories—each a reminder of how varied people’s experiences with cancer can be and how much we have to learn about treatment.
“I loved it. The people, the purpose, the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.” - James Tobin
Riding with purpose
Tour de Cure is a national organisation that raises funds for cancer research, prevention and support through activity-based events, partnerships and gala events. Since 2007, it has raised more than $150 million and funded 200 world-class scientific cancer breakthroughs1.
One of its biggest partnerships is with CommBank and in 2024, Can4Cancer saw more than 8400 participants take part in walks, rides, swims and runs across the country. The program expanded to 18 events in 2024 and has raised more than $20 million in 11 years for cancer research through Tour de Cure, funding 41 cancer breakthroughs.
“The energy of these events is something else,” says James, who will host this year’s Can4Cancer launch and emcee the Sydney walk in October. “You see thousands of people walking for someone they love or in memory of someone they’ve lost. It’s incredibly powerful.”
More than a ride
James says the cycling camaraderie is unlike anything else. “When you’re riding, you’re not face-to-face. You’re side-by-side, talking, moving, sharing. Sometimes it’s deep, sometimes it’s light, but you process things in a way you don’t always get to in daily life.”
And it’s not just for elite athletes. “The multi-day rides are challenging,” he admits. “But it’s not about being the fastest or the fittest. It’s about getting on the bike, training when you can and just heading out. You’re supported every step of the way. There are days your legs hurt, you haven’t eaten enough and you’re struggling. But the person next to you helps you through it. Then the next day, you do the same for them.”
