British Cycling's International Gala Dinner

21st October, 2006; De Vere Whites Hotel, Bolton
Report & Pictures by Larry Hickmott

There was a glittering array of VIP's at British Cycling's International Gala Dinner at the Bolton Stadium on Saturday night where the many great achievements of Britain's international cyclists were recalled with some short and sharp video highlights introduced by the inimitable Hugh Porter.

Hundreds of people assembled in the Premier Suite at the stadium for the dinner which was preceded by a speech by Brian Cookson, President of British Cycling (pictured above). After a sumptuous dinner with some guessing games based on photos from the many successful events GB has competed at in the last two years, what proved to be almost a travelogue for me, began with a chat with Great Britain Cycling Team's Performance Director Dave Brailsford (pictured below).

This was then followed by a series of videos highlighting World Championship and Commonwealth Games victories. The one on the Under 23's was especially well done as we saw clips of them training in the depths of winter and then doing what their coach Rod Ellingworth has drilled into them and that's working as a team in international track and road races.

The World Championship victories of the Junior GB riders this year was then shown on screen, the first time as far as I know such footage had been seen in public and what a moving and emotional moment that was, not just me but those around me who cheered and applauded their achievements.

The World Championship winning Juniors were then asked on stage and then presented with the Val Waterhouse trophy by Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny received the Ernie Chambers trophy, also from World and Olympic Champion Chris Hoy.

Right: Britain's queen of the sprint, former World Champion Victoria Pendleton has her fingers crossed for next year!

More videos followed, the thrill of the downhill with Steve Peat and Tracey Moseley and also the awesome performance of Shanaze Reade at the BMX Worlds - it was a series of rides that graphically demonstrated just how brilliant on a bike she is.

The stage with Hugh Porter also saw many other greats from British internationals come on and talk. Chris Newton was one and when asked where he saw the biggest threat for Beijing coming from, he replied not as expected but said his chances of a Gold in China and that of other current Podium Programme senior riders, came not from the Aussies, the French and so on but from the British riders coming through, a reference to the depth in talent we have here.

Rob Hayles was as always a big highlight as he got the audience going and one can only wonder what he'll be like as an after dinner speaker! Asked when he thought of retiring he replied he had London 2012 on the schedule - as a mechanic! The all conquering Paralympians from the 2006 World Championships came on a stage as did Oli Beckingsale, and riders from the Scottish and English sprint teams so successful at the Commonwealth Games.

The finale though was a chat with the 'big man' himself Chris Hoy before Hugh Porter called a halt to the official proceedings and the music was turned up for the audience to continuing enjoying what had been a fantastic evening.

Left: Rob Hayles in some audience participation and right, Chris Hoy talks to Hugh Porter about a possible attempt on the World Record for the Kilometre next May.

PHOTOS

Click the Gallery 1 button at the top of the page to see more images from the night.

The only trophies of the night for Jason Kenny and the 2006 British Junior World Champions including Anna Blyth.

Jason Kenny, David Daniell, Peter Kennaugh, Christian Lyte and Anna Blyth on stage as they are honoured for their outstanding achievements at the Junior World Championships.

Hugh Porter talks to Ross Edgar about the Scotland versus England Team Sprint at the Commonwealth Games.

Steve Peat and Tracey Moseley talk on stage about their goals for success at the 2007 World Championships which will be in Scotland.

Aileen McGlynn talks to Hugh Porter. Also on Stage are World Champions Ellen Hunter, Jody Cundy and David Stone.

Oli is shown some footage from the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Rob Hayles relives that famous 'lead out' at the Commonwealth Games which saw victory going to friend Mark Cavendish.

Hundreds of people sit down for dinner before the show began at 9.30.

It was a colourful evening for lots of reasons!