Sir Chris Hoy surprised guests as he joined a star-studded line-up at this year’'s Champions of CycleSport Dinner, supported by Wiggle, in aid of children’'s charity Action Medical Research. The event, held at London'’s Hurlingham Club last night (Thursday 28 November), raised more than £185,000 to help sick babies and children. 

Hoy, who in 2012 became Britain’'s most successful ever Olympian, joined a host of fellow Champions at the gala dinner, including Chris Boardman MBE, Sir Dave Brailsford CBE, Jody Cundy MBE, Sean Kelly, Roger Hammond, Ross Edgar, Andy Tennant, Yanto Barker and rising star on the women’s racing scene, Hannah Barnes. Former footballer Lee Dixon, now a keen cyclist, also attended. 

The evening was hosted by Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan, who conducted live and exclusive interviews with all the Champions. TV medic Dr Dawn Harper was also in the house to deliver the welcoming speech. Both are long-term supporters who regularly get on their bikes for the charity. 

As well as the opportunity to mix with some of the sport’'s greatest riders, guests also had the chance to bid for some highly-coveted, money-can’t-buy lots in the live and silent auctions. Hosted by BBC commentator Simon Brotherton and sponsored by Frog bikes, the live auction included the chance to ride for a day with Team Sky in Mallorca, a signed Pinarello Dogma 2 Team Sky bike and an exclusive signed painting of Sir Chris Hoy. VIP Tour de France tickets and a day riding in the Lake District with Chris Boardman MBE and Jody Cundy MBE were also on offer to the highest bidders. 

Chris Boardman MBE said: "“I was very proud to be the ambassador for the Champions of CycleSport Dinner, celebrating everything that’'s great about cycling and raising a fantastic amount of money at the same time. Action Medical Research is a fantastic charity, funding work that can help so many families. My son, George was born prematurely so I know how important research in this area is. It'’s the kind of work that Action funds that made a huge impact on his life and was essential for his survival. It’'s very easy to help - get on your bike and ride for a reason in 2014.”" 

Action Medical Research Head of Fundraising David Graham said: “"Once again this has been an amazing event, fronted by some of the world’'s finest champions. It was great for our guests to be able to rub shoulders with the likes of Sir Chris Hoy. Cycling contributes significant income towards our important work saving and changing children’'s lives and this event is a huge celebration of that. It'’s fantastic to have such loyal support once again.”" 

The event was also supported by media partner Rouleur. 

Action Medical Research is a charity that has a passion for cycling and 2013 has seen another successful season of events. The charity'’s cycling portfolio includes the RIDE100 series of one-day regional UK rides, the Action London to Paris and RIDE24 relay race. 

For more information on the Champions of CycleSport Dinner visit: www.action.org.uk/timeforchampions 

For details on Action Medical Research cycling events visit: www.action.org.uk/cycling