For the third year, the Girona Gala proved to be a star-studded occasion and a terrific night for a great cause, raising over £10,000 for Qhubeka, helping to change lives in Africa via the wonderful medium of the bicycle.
Marcel Kittel, Rohan Dennis, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, Ryder Hesjedal and a host of pro riders joined the guests and our host Nathan Haas in the rather swish Girona Casino for an evening of eating, drinking, dancing and – of course – bidding on the amazing auction items, including a Katusha team-issue Canyon.
Marcel Kittel and Tess looking suitably glam
MC Matt Stephens gets the ball rolling
“What am I bid for this fine polka dot jersey signed by Toms Skujins himself?” Nathan presents a fine piece of kit
Author Max Leonard considers splashing some cash
Rohan Dennis relinquished his Tour de France lion, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio’s dad pounced and captured it. Wild
A day in a Team Katusha team car? Marcel fancies that one… (he didn’t win it)
OK, clear the tables. Let’s zumba!
Yes, there was some (responsible) drinking involved… Hannes Obreno, Lauren Rowney and Molly Weaver lead the line
Organiser and all-round good egg Laura Fletcher takes a well-earned sip at the end of the evening. Ryder approves. Nathan is, er, happy.
For more on the work of Qhubeka in Africa, see here. All photos: Ben Broomfield
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