Two wheels, one mission
Over three days and 310 kilometres, with more than 3,200 metres of elevation, riders in the 2025 Tour de Cure SA Discovery Tour completed the grueling expedition all in the name of funding life-saving cancer research.
Among them was Sophie Edwards, an Olympian with the Australian Cycling Team and a Flinders University medical student, who joined the final day of the ride.
But this wasn’t just another ride for Sophie. She rode alongside her dad, who was fundraising for the Tour, and together they joined a passionate group of cyclists determined to make a difference.
“I’d seen the Tour de Cure jerseys around and always wanted to be involved,” Sophie said.
“As part of my medical degree, I’m doing a research project and got connected with Flinders University researchers who are involved with the Tour and Flinders Foundation. That’s how I ended up getting involved—and I got Dad into it, too!”
For Sophie, the day was more than just a ride—it was a reminder of the power of community, storytelling and purpose.
“The atmosphere was so positive. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive—it felt like a great community of cyclists all riding for an amazing cause. But it wasn’t just about cycling and fundraising. We also heard from people who have been impacted by cancer, and it really brought us back to why we were doing this.”
As a woman in cycling—a sport that’s still heavily male dominated—Sophie was inspired by the strong group of women riders.
“There were so many amazing women involved in the Tour, and they were all so encouraging. I’d love to see more women take part in events like this—it’s such a rewarding experience.”
Now nearing the end of her medical degree, Sophie also appreciated seeing the other side of health research.
“I’ve been involved in research before during my undergraduate studies, and being a part of the tour allowed me to gain a better appreciation of all of the hard work that goes in to raise the vital funds needed to support the researchers to continue looking for a cure for cancer.”
Funds raised from the SA Discovery Tour are helping support vital cancer research at Flinders health precinct as well as contributing to cancer-related community based organisations in South Australia who were presented with donations during the SA Discovery Tour.
Thank you to Sophie, her dad David, every rider, support crew members and donors for helping turn research into reality—one pedal stroke at a time.
Since 2007, Tour de Cure has been dedicated to curing cancer and funding vital ground-breaking research.
Flinders Foundation is the exclusive partner of Tour de Cure in South Australia, with funds supporting cancer researchers across the Flinders health precinct.
Register your interest for 2026
Join the Tour de Cure family! For more information email supporters@flindersfoundation.org.au.
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Flinders Foundation acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Flinders precinct was established. We acknowledge the Kaurna people’s deep and ongoing connection to land, waters and community, and pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.
