Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s returns to Adelaide Oval and beyond

7 May 2026

The Hospital Research Foundation Group and SANFL are getting back on the bike for the annual Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s, a 24-hour cycling challenge that brings sport and the community together in the fight against Parkinson’s.

Inspired by South Australian football legend Mark Mickan who lives with Parkinson’s, the event sees teams ride throughout the night to raise awareness and funds for the neurodegenerative condition.

From 10am Wednesday August 5 to 10am Thursday August 6, stationary exercise bikes will line the Riverbank concourse at the iconic Adelaide Oval, with teams cycling in shifts to keep the wheels turning for 24 hours straight.

This year’s event will also incorporate a virtual challenge for the first time, allowing people from across Australia to take part at their own pace and in their own time.

In honour of the 50 Australians who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each day, virtual participants will have 50 days to raise funds and reach their target distance.

A former Adelaide Crow, an inaugural inductee into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame and an ambassador for The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s, Mickan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016 at just 55 years old.

“The SANFL is incredibly proud to support Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s, bringing our football community together for a cause that impacts so many South Australians,” SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said.

“We encourage everyone in the football community and beyond to get behind this event, whether that’s forming a team, jumping on a bike or supporting those who are riding.

“Hosting the event at Adelaide Oval provides a powerful backdrop, but it’s the people involved – the riders, supporters and fundraisers – who make it truly special. The introduction of a virtual component this year will allow even more people across Australia to get involved and contribute to this important cause.

“Mark Mickan is a champion of our game, and his determination to improve outcomes for those living with Parkinsons continues to inspire us all.”

In the past two years, Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars ($258,000) for Parkinson’s research and care in South Australia.

The Hospital Research Foundation Group CEO Professor Paul Flynn said “We’re proud to be partnering with Mark and the SANFL for the third installment of our Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s cycling challenge”.

“The event has received amazing support from both the sporting and Parkinson’s communities since we revived the event in 2024, shown by last year’s record-setting total of $142,328 raised for Parkinson’s research and care,” Professor Flynn said.

“This year’s virtual challenge is an exciting new addition and we’re encouraging people from all across Australia to jump on their bikes in support of the 50 Australians who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day.”

Teams from all SANFL clubs; past players from the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Football Clubs; and even the Adelaide Thunderbirds have ridden for the cause over this time.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition worldwide, and the second most common in Australia after dementia.

Currently more than 150,000 Australians live with Parkinson’s, but that number is expected to double within the next 15 years.

To register a team and get started with raising funds to help with the fight against Parkinson’s, go to https://www.pedaltofightparkinsons.com.au/

Team registrations close 5pm Monday July 13, with individual cyclists who would like to register to join a team able to do so up until Monday July 20.