REVOLUTION -SATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY
Cycling fans helped raise thousands of pounds for the Geoff Thomas Foundation as the former international footballer took to the indoor track in Saturday's latest Revolution meeting in Manchester.
Thomas and rugby legend Martin Johnson led celebrity teams in an 'Italian Pursuit' track race.
Ex-England star Thomas, has used cycling extensively to raise cash for his Foundation - which supports the fight against Leukaemia and other cancers - and rode the entire Tour de France routes in 2005 and 2007.
But, in a rare foray onto the track, Thomas’ team narrowly edged out Johnson’s six-man squad on an evening in which the real winner was his charity.
''It was a fantastic night and I was really touched by the generosity of fans and all the riders,'' said Geoff.
'' I had only been on the track a couple of times before so I was a little nervous beforehand but it was great fun and all the more pleasing because, after a photo finish, my team beat Martin's!''
'' But seriously, I was really grateful that Martin gave up all his time to help with his - especially because at 6'7'' and 18 stone, he doesn't have the perfect build for a cyclist.''
''I was delighted to be involved in the Revolution series and am sure the partnership we have will help generate the awareness of the Foundation and help support these five top Professors around the country, one of which is in Manchester.''
''My interst in cycling as a sport has obviously increased over the past few years and Revolution was a great way to get everyone involved.''
''And the response from everybody was really touching. Fans bought thousands of raffle tickets and gave us so much support and encouragement and the riders could not have been more helpful and supportive.''
''Our Foundation has already had a great relationship with British Cycling and the sport in general and this has just cemented it further by allowing us awareness within the British track community''.
''I think more and more people are getting the message about what we are attempting to do and i'm always amazed at how generous people are in terms of giving their time and money to help us''.
England World Cup winning legend Johnson, whose only other track experience came when he and Geoff went through a brief training course at the Newport Velodrome last week, enjoyed the experience and was happy to have supported such a worthy cause.
He said ''Having never ridden a bike on the track before i'm glad I was able to have a go before the main event. The lack of brakes was my main concern and I was just glad that I didn't make a fool out of myself! Helping Geoff and his charity made it all the more worthwhile''.
The 'Italian Pursuit' featured six-man teams with Thomas' line up including Hannah Manly, Dan Mclay, Anna Blyth, Iljo Keisse and Olympic legend Chris Hoy.
Kilo World Record holder Arnaud Tournant was the final man on Johnson's team which also included Corrine Hall, Chris Whorrall, Victoria Pendleton and Peter Shep.
Johnson actually beat Thomas over the opening lap but the strength in depth of Thomas' team, and a stunning lap by Hoy, made sure the former footballer ended up victorious.
''Given Martin's strength i'm not surprised he beat me over one lap but I made sure he knew what the final result was'' joked Geoff.
''I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the organisers have challenged us to a re-match - a pursuit rase - and I reckon that over ten laps Martin will have no chance!''
Pictures by Larry Hickmott at British Cycling
