2026 Tumut Cycle Classic: Community spirit rides high once again

The 2026 Tumut Cycle Classic, held on Sunday 11 January, once again showcased the power of community, charity and collaboration, drawing strong participation despite extreme summer conditions across regional New South Wales.

While the event day itself offered a welcome reprieve with pleasant temperatures in the mid to high 20s, it followed a scorching Saturday when ‘the mercury’ soared into the mid-40s. 

Undeterred, riders from across Australia, volunteers and supporters turned out in force for another memorable edition of the much-loved cycling and charity event.

This year’s Classic was led by founder, president and chief organiser Dr Tarek Sari, whose vision continues to drive the event’s growth and lasting impact. 

“We had close to 400 registrations including online and in person registration,” Dr Sari told AMUST.

“The money raised this year is going towards urology cystoscopes, helping bring essential urology services to Tumut Hospital.”

A defining feature of the 2026 event was the strong and practical support provided by the Sydney Muslim Cyclists group. 

“The Sydney Muslim Cyclists didn’t just show up in numbers as they have done in previous years, but they helped set up the starting area as well as assisting  with the packing up,” Dr Sari pointed out. 

He also extended his thanks to a number of prominent Sydney Muslim community figures who attended and supported the Classic, including Salim Allouche, Gandhi Sindyan, Bilal Abdelwahed, Salah Jindi and Abu Salim Allouche.

Salim Allouche, the Lebanese Muslim Association’s Religious Affairs and Events Administrator, attended the Tumut Cycle Classic for the first time this year and said he was very impressed by both the scale of the event and the spirit behind it.

“I run and oversee a large number of events for the LMA throughout the year, and this was my first Tumut Cycle Classic,” Mr Allouche said.

 “I was genuinely impressed by the level of organisation and the positive atmosphere that surrounded the entire day.”

“The event is a credit to Dr Tarek Sari, the Sydney Muslim Cyclists, the local (Tumut) community, the sponsors, the volunteers, the other cyclists and everyone who has supported the day – not just in 2026 but over the previous decade.”

“It’s a powerful example of how community-led initiatives can create real and lasting benefits for regional Australia.”

Over its 11-year history (2015-2026), the Tumut Cycle Classic has raised approximately $300,000 for Tumut Hospital, along with $20,000 for CareFlight and $10,000 for the Tumut Rural Fire Brigade. 

The funds previously donated to Tumut Hospital have been instrumental in equipping the facility with life-saving medical equipment and strengthening vital emergency and specialist services in the region.

Now firmly established as a highlight on the regional cycling and charity calendar, the Tumut Cycle Classic continues to demonstrate how sport can unite people from diverse backgrounds around a shared purpose – supporting local healthcare and strengthening community bonds across Australia.