WFI Insurance has confirmed its sponsorship of the Tour de Cure Signature Tour 2026, a major cycling event dedicated to generating funds for cancer research, support services, and prevention programs.
The event, which will take place from March 12 to 21, 2026, marks the 20th edition of the Signature Tour and will see 140 riders cover a distance of 1,408 kilometres – starting in Canberra and concluding in Hobart.
The 2026 tour will pass through a variety of rural locations, including schools, farms, and small communities, reflecting WFI’s ongoing involvement in regional Australia.
For over 100 years, WFI has provided insurance products and services to agricultural and regional clients, with its representatives living and working within these communities.
Damien Gallagher, executive general manager at WFI, commented on the significance of the partnership.
“We know for Australians living in rural and regional communities, access to cancer treatment can be challenging, often requiring travel away from home where support is limited,” he said. “WFI is proud to sponsor the Signature Tour 2026, further advancing Tour de Cure’s mission to cure cancer and change lives.”
Throughout the duration of the event, Tour de Cure will allocate $10,000 each evening to support cancer-related projects in the communities along the route. These grants will be distributed during community dinners, providing direct assistance to local initiatives.
Gallagher also noted the collaborative aspect of the event.
“Signature Tour 2026 is a wonderful way to bring our people, clients, partners, and the communities we support together for an important cause, and we look forward to visiting some of Australia’s most picturesque towns as the tour winds its way through three states,” he said.
A key component of the 2026 tour will be engagement with local schools through the “Be Fit, Be Healthy, Be Happy” program, which focuses on sun safety and cancer prevention.
Tour de Cure reports that one in three cancer cases is preventable, and the program aims to educate students on risk reduction.
Tour de Cure board member and Channel 7 presenter Mark Berretta reflected on the milestone year for the event.
“This is a special year as we honour the ride that started it all. From humble beginnings to a national movement, our 20th anniversary ride marks two decades of impact,” he said.
Annually, the Signature Tour generates approximately $2 million to support future advancements and provide hope.
“With WFI’s support, we hope to surpass this fundraising goal for our 2026 event,” Berretta said.
Since its founding in 2007, Tour de Cure has become a prominent charity in Australia’s cancer research sector.
The organisation has funded nearly 1,228 cancer projects and contributed to over 220 scientific breakthroughs.
Its events, including the Signature Tour, involve thousands of participants and supporters, all working towards advancing cancer research and awareness.
