Sportif to raise funds for fire relief

Cyclo Sportif Victoria is pressing ahead with plans for a sportif in the Marysville and Lake Mountain district of Victoria, Australia which was devastated by fires earlier this year. Officials were in the region planning the ride just 10 days before one of Australia's largest natural disasters and have announced it will now be used to raise funds for the Australian Red Cross to help the community recover and rebuild.

"The devastation that the fires left in the area temporarily put the event on hold, however after much discussion and negotiation, it was decided that the event would proceed with the full support of the community," said a CSV announcement. "The event also provides the towns of the Murrindindi Shire with a chance to show the state that the local community is helping themselves recover and is ready to commence the long process of rebuilding their lives."