BRITISH CYCLING 2009 ANNUAL AWARDS 50th ANNIVERSARY GALA

[veloriders]

British Cycling has today revealed details of the exciting format of its 2009 Annual Awards and the brand new Gala Dinner to be held jointly in Manchester on Saturday 20 February to celebrate best cycling performances of 2009 and the organisation’s 50th anniversary. National Champions from all cycling disciplines will attend an exclusive 2009 Annual Awards ceremony at the Midland Hotel, where they will be officially presented with their honours by top athletes such as Olympic medallist Jamie Staff and British Cycling’s dignitaries including CEO, Ian Drake.

Annual Award winners will then join all other guests at the black tie 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner that will start with a drinks reception at the nearby Manchester Central Convention Centre. After the drinks, guests will make their way to the main exchange hall for a three-course meal and an evening of entertainment, hosted by Sky’s Dermot Murnaghan.

During the night a selection of notable Annual Awards will be presented to the 2009 winners across various disciplines. A group of volunteers will also be invited to collect their honours from British Cycling’s dignitaries and elite athletes.

In celebrating 50 years of British Cycling, the Gala evening will feature a collection of fascinating cycling memorabilia, including Chris Boardman’s record-breaking Lotus bike, Hugh Porter’s World Championship jersey and Beryl Burton’s National Champion jersey.

This will be complemented by a video montage of still and moving footage featuring iconic photographs and an evocative selection of video which will pay tribute to some of the greatest cycling moments of the past 50 years.

Culminating the 50th anniversary celebrations will be a formal induction of 50 cycling heroes into the British Cycling Hall of Fame for their exceptional contribution to the sport over the last five decades. President Brian Cookson OBE will present each of the inductees with a certificate in honour of their achievement.

Four-time Olympic Gold Medallist Sir Chris Hoy and Performance Director Dave Brailsford CBE and will address Gala guests during the evening and many other members of the GB Cycling Team will also be in attendance.

Tickets for the Gala Dinner are priced at £120 + VAT per person or £75 if you are a British Cycling member (also available through clubs). Please send your enquiry to 50th@britishcycling.org.uk.

For more information please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk.
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