Riding for a Reason: How Havas Red Turned Spring Cycle into Sydney’s Must-Do Ride for Lifeline

The challenge

Spring Cycle’s iconic Harbour Bridge route offered a powerful draw. The challenge was to turn that appeal into broader participation and meaningful support for Lifeline, reaching beyond cycling enthusiasts to make the event a must-do for people across Sydney.
 
In a crowded events and media landscape, we needed to give people a compelling reason to ride, fundraise and rally behind the cause. That meant connecting the joy of the experience with its purpose: bringing communities together and supporting physical and mental wellbeing, while delivering visibility for event partners and building a foundation for long-term growth.

The solution

Havas Red put Spring Cycle in the spotlight with a PR and influencer campaign combining star power, community impact and the spectacle of thousands riding across the Harbour Bridge in support of Lifeline.
 
We brought Olympic diver and creator Sam Fricker, who has over 9.7 million combined followers on board as an ambassador, securing a significant donation of his time to champion the ride. We also rallied high-profile personalities including Scott Cam to share personal messages of support.
A Channel 9 and Weekend Today media partnership delivered a pre-event interview with Sam on 9News Sydney and six live crosses showcasing the event, partners and participants to a national audience.
 
Our videography team captured the full day and produced a video news release, extending media opportunities and keeping the story moving beyond the finish line.

The results

381

381 pieces of earned coverage. A strong media presence across broadcast, radio, print and online news put Spring Cycle and its purpose in the spotlight.

20.8M

20.8 million earned media reach. Coverage amplified awareness of the ride and its support for Lifeline, connecting with communities at the heart of the event.

7,197

7,197 riders united for the cause. Participation grew 3.3% on 2025, bringing thousands together to ride for connection, community and mental wellbeing.

$898K

$898,270 raised for Lifeline. Fundraising climbed 14.9% on 2025 outpacing participation growth and delivering more funding for Lifeline’s vital support services.

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