In a full-circle moment, a QSuper Cardiac Challenge rider’s heart condition diagnosis was made thanks to equipment purchased by the fundraising event, serving as a reminder of why riders take on the huge Cairns to Cooktown bike ride. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
With less than three weeks to go until the annual QSuper Cardiac Challenge, one rider’s heart scare is reminding everyone why they are taking on the monstrous 333-kilometre journey.
Tony Cristaudo was pushing hard for his first Cairns to Cooktown bike ride in support of cardiac services in the region, but became increasingly breathless the more training he undertook.
“Then I woke up on Monday morning, I couldn’t breathe, and I coughed up some blood, so my wife took me to the Cairns Hospital,” he recalled.
In a full-circle moment, it was determined that Mr Cristaudo had a leaking mitral valve that needed repair, and it was the ultrasound and cardiac catheter laboratory services purchased by the fundraising ride that helped him receive the lifesaving diagnosis.
Although Mr Cristaudo will not be able to participate in this year’s ride, he said he was determined to get on the bike next year for the 20th anniversary event.
“I had a friend do it last year, and he sort of talked me into it, but he’s not doing it this year, but we’re both going to do it next year,” he said.
“It makes you want to raise money for it; it’s a great unit, and they’re all a very dedicated team of medical professionals.”
Over 19 events, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) QSuper Cardiac Challenge has provided more than $6 million worth of equipment and services to cardiac and related services throughout the region to match the standard of care in metropolitan areas.
FNQHF chief executive officer Gina Hogan said Mr Cristaudo’s story was a remarkable reminder of the impact of the event, which ended up being critically involved with his diagnosis.
“Over the years, this fundraising bike ride to Cooktown has bought millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, and it’s in situations like Tony’s that we get to hear the real heartbeat of why we do what we do,” she said.
The 2025 QSuper Cardiac Challenge, which has already raised more than $140,000, will be held on 20-22 September.
