Nicola Rutzou
One of the original corporate bike ride fundraisers, now known as Breakthrough T1D’s One Ride will return to the Barossa Valley in November this year. Formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Ride, the ride first took place in 2004 and, since that time, has raised over $14.3 million for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research.
Bicycling Australia Editor Nicola Rutzou participated in the ride from 2009 to 2013 and applauds the event.
Over 100 cyclists from across the country will join each other on Saturday, 29 November, at the Novotel Barossa Valley for the event. They will choose from picturesque ride routes of 40km, 80km, and 160km. No matter the distance, every kilometre they ride will raise funds for vital T1D research.
The 2025 cyclists have so far raised over $140,000 between them. This year, riders will be joined by Channel 9’s renowned sports reporter, James Bracey, who will MC the event, along with ex-professional T1D cyclist Justin Morris and other special guests.
Sydney Yovic, Breakthrough T1D CEO, says, “One Ride has been showcasing for so many years the commitment of our community, raising funds that support cutting-edge research with the potential to truly transform lives. We are so grateful for the difference every single cyclist has made.
“We are thrilled to be bringing One Ride to the Barossa Valley again this year, and we know it will be a day of good fun, stunning scenery and importantly, progress for the more than 135,000 Australians living with T1D.”
The funds raised help Breakthrough T1D continue supporting the best and brightest T1D researchers working to find cures and improve lives. These projects span projects that aim to detect the onset of the condition prior to critical illness and find ways to help the body produce its own insulin once more. This is needed to reach Breakthrough T1D’s ultimate vision of a world without T1D.
Captain of Tattersall’s Cycling Club, Matt Buckley, has participated in One Ride for many years, following his son’s T1D diagnosis at just five years old. Tattersalls has six riders joining this year, and Matt says, “This ride is personal. Type 1 diabetes changes lives in an instant. Riding these kilometres is my way of showing support for my son and for the thousands of Australians living with T1D every day, but to be joined on the ride with my mates from Tattersalls Club this year makes the ride even more special. I hope the numbers involved grow every year until we find that cure.”
Breakthrough T1D invites everyone to be part of the 2025 One Ride. To support the cause, participate in the ride, or donate, visit ride.breakthrought1d.org.au.
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
