A Kelowna father is keeping the memory of his son alive by cycling for cancer research.
Kevin Witzke will be taking part in the Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge to raise funds and awareness for research and care at B.C. Cancer.
It was in 2014 when the bug of cycling kicked into gear for Kevin's son, Nicholas.
Kevin took him on a trip to Northern Italy, and, after summitting up iconic mountain passes (as seen in the ) like the Stelvio and Gavia, Nicholas was hooked.
"That was his first big adventure on the bike, and he loved it," said Kevin.
In 2019, Nicholas was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Treatment started immediately, but that didn't stop his drive and love for cycling.
"He was super disciplined and rode his trainer in Vancouver in his apartment," added Kevin. "He was determined to be the one in a million to beat it."
In the summer of 2020, Nicholas had the opportunity to move to Italy, and he was able to continue chemotherapy at a cancer clinic in Siracusa.
"He wanted to go to Southern Italy, and he was able to find a clinic there in Sicily," Kevin said. "He really loved the Italian culture, and he had some really good months."
Kevin and his wife, Rita, came to live with Nicholas for seven months, and father and son had the chance to cycle together over hills, his favourite.
"The discipline, concentration and being outside is what he loved the most about it," added Kevin. "He was very good and went to the World Hillclimb Championships in 2018 for it."
The relentlessness of the cancer eventually got to Nicholas, and he died in April 2021.
The team Kevin is riding for at the Cypress Challenge is called Squadra Nicolavoca, which is a name Nicholas' Nonno gave him, which he was proud to hear at family gatherings.
Kevin and his family find a great benefit in fundraising for cancer research, citing previous events such as the and.
"It's important to do the research and to find ways to catch the cancer early, so fundraising is important to our family and friends."
Kevin feels "his strength and love with every pedal stroke."
"Nicholas loved the sport, and it is just a way for me to be with him every day."
The race takes place on Sunday, July 27. To donate, visit
