Champions of CycleSport dinner raises £180k for charity

A host of cycling stars past and present attended the 2012 Champions of CycleSport fund-raising dinner at the Hurlingham Club in London on Thursday evening.

Chris Boardman, Dave Brailsford, Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, Joanna Rowsell, Rochelle Gilmore, Jody Cundy and Rob Hayles joined the 650 guests for an evening of star interviews and an auction of rare cycling memorabilia.

A total of £180,000 was raised for Action Medical Research during the event. The money will go towards helping sick children.

"It was overwhelming to see such an array of celebrities and cycling industry leaders, as well as many good friends who jump into the saddle for Action!" said AMR's Head of Fundraising David Graham.

"Cycling contributes significant income towards our important work saving and changing children's lives and to be associated with such passionate individuals from all walks of life inspires us on a daily basis."

Olympic team pursuit gold medallist Joanna Rowsell, AMR's cycling ambassador, added: "What a great year for cycling! The Champions of CycleSport Dinner was a true celebration of this.

"I'm really excited to be Cycling Ambassador for such a worthwhile charity and one that is so passionate about cycling. Sign up to one of Action Medical Research's events today and help carry the London 2012 cycling legacy forward further."

Cycling retailer Wiggle supported this year's dinner.

The Hurlingham Club plays host to the evening

Chris Boardman and Dave Brailsford have a 'cuddle'

Left to right: Adam Ryan (Wiggle Marketing), Rochelle Gilmore, Joanna Rowsell, Humphrey Cobbold (Wiggle CEO)

Sky's Dermot Murnaghan interviews Chris Boardman (left)

Dave Brailsford (right) gets the interview treatment from Dermot Murnaghan