Action's 'Cycling Superstar' supporters
Sean Yates
“Cycling is very much the backbone of (Action’s) fundraising activity - has been for decades - and I’m delighted to be a part of the charity’s challenge to Paris.”
One word: Animal. That’s how many have described Sean Yates. An Olympian, multiple stage winner on the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, Lead Director Sportive and coach.
Sean has seen and done it all in the world of cycling. He attended his first fundraiser for Action – the Champions of Cyclesport – in 2019 and will join our supporters on the 21st London to Paris bike ride in July 2020.
Alex Dowsett
"The ‘Champs Dinner’ is always an amazing experience and I’m so pleased to be a part of it. Knowing the money raised is going to help fund vital research for poorly children means a great deal to me.”
Alex Dowsett is one of the UK’s most successful road racing cyclists. In 2012 he won the British National Time Trial Championships. Two years later he won gold in the Individual Time Trial at the Commonwealth Games. In 2015, he broke track cycling's world hour record by 446 metres, with a distance of 52.937 kilometres.
Alex has been supporting Action for a number of years and we are delighted that he has agreed to be an ambassador for our Champions of Cyclesport Dinner.
Dani Rowe MBE
"It's been fantastic to see women's cycling taking more of a spotlight lately and I hope more and more women will be inspired to get on their bikes. Riding for a charity like Action Medical Research is a great way to get motivated and meet others."
Dani Rowe MBE is a three times world champion and Olympic Gold Medalist in the women's team pursuit. Competing for the winning Great Britain team at the 2011, 2012 and 2013 World Championships, she won Olympic gold in world record time in the Team Pursuit at London 2012.
She received her MBE in the 2013 new year's honours list and - since retiring in 2018 - now concentrates on commentating and coaching.
Katie Archibald
Katie is a British Olympian, winning Gold at her first Olympic Games in Rio, as a key part in the GB Women’s Team Pursuit. Katie followed up her Rio success with a 2017 World Championship individual title in the Omnium event. In 2018 she became world Madison champion and this year came first in the individual pursuit at the British Track Nationals.
And in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics 2020 she was a silver medalist in the women's team pursuit, She also holds an Olympic gold medal after winning the inaugural women's Madison race with her partner, Laura Kenny.
Katie splits her training between the track and road as a crucial member of Team WNT Pro Cycling.
Rochelle Gilmore
"I would encourage all women who haven’t yet experienced the joys of cycling to take up the sport and sign up to one of Action’s many events. Every mile you ride will help sick babies and children."
Rochelle Gilmore is a renowned pro cyclist, motorsport enthusiast and former team manager.
Rochelle’s first major achievement on two wheels was finishing 2nd in her age division at the ‘World BMX Championships’ before becoming a silver medallist at the Junior World Championships on the track. A string of 4 more silver medals at the elite World Championships and Commonwealth Games was to follow. Gilmore finished her cycling career with stage wins in the ‘Giro d’Italia’ and ‘Route De France’, 3 World Cup Victories (2 track/one road) and a Commonwealth Games title.
Dan Martin
"I was born five weeks premature, so the research which Action is funding into what causes some women to go into labour early is particularly poignant for me."
Dan Martin has cycling in his DNA, and cycling is very much a family affair. His father Neil raced for many years, and his uncle Stephen Roche and cousin Nicolas Roche are both champions.
He had a great 2018 with UEA Team Emirates, and took his first win of the season with a stage win at the Critérium du Dauphiné. On 12 July Martin won the second Tour de France stage of his career by winning stage 6 (Mûr-de-Bretagne).
Dan and his wife Jess are proud parents to beautiful twin girls, Daisy and Ella.
Martyn Ashton
"When you sign up to one of Action’s rides, you know you’re helping their fight to save tiny lives.”
Martyn is a former British and World Champion mountain bike trials rider, stunt rider and team manager.
He had been riding professional trials since 1993 and is often described as a mountain biking legend. Known worldwide for his ‘Bike Party’ You Tube video which went viral, he has been credited with turning trials from a niche form of riding into the sport it is today. You can read more about his incredible career in this short blog.
Martyn is currently a producer/director at Shift Active Media and he also owns Ashton Bikes Ltd.
Yanto Barker
"Action's main fundraising revenue comes from cycling events like their London to Paris ride; I honestly can’t think of a better way to help raise money for such a great cause.”
Yanto Barker is a Welsh professional racing cyclist. He was the highest placed Briton in the 2005 Tour of Britain, coming ninth in the general classification. After spells with Raleigh and One Pro Cycling he retired in 2016 and is now known for doing TV work. He also runs his own cycling clothing company called Le Col.
Hannah Walker
"Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, Action will have a challenge for you somewhere across the UK. The fact you’ll also be helping the charity raise funds for vital research is a major bonus. It’s a win-win!"
Hannah Walker is a former pro cyclist.
After breaking her wrist, elbow and separating her shoulder and collarbone eight weeks previously in the final round of the Matrix Fitness GP Tour Series, Hannah triumphed at the 2016 National Derny Championships by winning the silver medal.
Since retiring in 2017 Hannah has worked as the social media & communications manager for WNT-ROTOR Pro Cycling.
Gee Atheron
Gee Atherton, a British downhill mountain biker, boasts numerous World Cup wins and a prestigious 2010 World Championship title, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the sport.
Known for his fearless riding style and unwavering determination on challenging courses worldwide, Atherton consistently delivers stellar performances. His exceptional skills and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him recognition as one of the most accomplished athletes in downhill biking. As an iconic figure in extreme sports, Gee Atherton continues to inspire fans with his unparalleled success on the trails.
Pfeiffer Georgi
"I love the Champions of CycleSport Dinner and the personal stories from the guest speaker each year is always something that takes you aback. It’s really special to hear people being so honest and vulnerable."
Cycling star Pfeiffer Georgi has had a standout year in 2023, claiming her first World Tour victory at Brugge-De Panne and winning the British National Road Championships in June.
These significant triumphs underscore her exceptional talent and competitive strength on national and international platforms. Georgi's success demonstrates her prowess in cycling events, solidifying her position as a formidable contender within the professional cycling realm.
Joanna Rowsell MBE
Joanna Rowsell MBE's illustrious career includes multiple Olympic gold medals in the team pursuit at London 2012 and Rio 2016, as well as numerous World Championship titles.
Her track success extends to victories in the UCI Track Cycling World Cup series and European Track Championships. Rowsell's impressive podium finishes and record-breaking performances solidify her status as one of cycling's greatest athletes, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Champions of Cyclesport Dinner
Rub shoulders with the UK's greatest cycling superstars