A gruelling new ride featuring 1800m of elevation over 114km has helped the Lake Hume Cycle Challenge attract its biggest numbers since COVID.

The fundraiser on Sunday, February 11 attracted 325 cyclists, which was 40 more than last year.

Organising committee chair, David Dow, said this followed the introduction of the Lake Hume Hustle which navigated the four main “gaps” around Lake Hume.

“We had 90 riders in the big ride and they just loved it,” he said.

“That’s really going to increase our income for the ride.”

Mr Dow said another highlight of the event was a special guest appearance by former SBS journalist, Michael Tomalaris.

Tomalaris is best known for his coverage of Tour de France from 1996 to 2021.

“Mike rode our Tallangatta Rail Trail tour but also stuck around to talk to a lot of the riders,” Mr Dow said.

“He helped give people a good impression of the ride and said he would be happy to come back again.”

Mooroopna cyclist, Neville Laffy, was the first rider back from the Hustle and said it was a “really excellent” event.

He also enjoyed camping on the lake the night before the ride.

“It was a beautiful scenic ride, really well run and with friendly volunteers,” Mr Laffy, 59, said.

“I’ll absolutely be back again and I’ll try and bring more people with me.”

Money raised from the challenge was expected to be significantly more than last year’s fundraising tally of $20,100.

All proceeds will go towards the Wellness Centre within the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.