On Saturday 11th Nov we sent a delegation to the Dave Rayner dinner at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate. Myself, Stuart Smith, Ray Mason, Simon Keeton and Ian Murrey. This was the first time at this venue after a move from Bradford. They attracted 624 people to sit down for dinner with stars of the cycling world past and present in a dining room that at times did seem a little too big and impersonal. The main guest Protour winner Alejandro Valverde was unfortunately taken ill on holiday and was unable to attend and with Ray Mason was already engrossed with organising a bigger dinner the following weekend Eric Vanderarden was a very worthy stand in. He was still sporting his back perm which has not changed since his racing days and with videos showing Eric winning a very wet Tour of Flanders riding away on the Koppenberg to victory it was an honour to be in the same room as such a hard man of cycling. Henrik Verdant of Lotto gave a very good insight in what it was like to be a Director Sportif of a Pro Tour team and Jimmy Saville was well Jimmy Saville. Then came the auction of cycling memorabilia with the highlight being Tom Boonen’s World Champ signed jersey fetching £1250.00. as well as many other great cycling mementos. This dinner is well worth attending to meet the stars and maybe bid on a rare piece on cycling kit but at £40.00 a head it is one to save up for.

Marc Mallender