The 2020 racing season has been different, to say the least, but that hasn't stopped the Dave Rayner Gala from taking place, with an online fundraising event set to take place on Saturday, November 14.

The dinner and auction would be held at the New Dock Hall in Leeds, where hundreds of guests were expected to be invited to celebrate the 2020 season and remember Dave Rayner, who tragically met his end in 1994 at the young age of 27.

The COVID-19 pandemic, a nationwide blockade of England, and rules prohibiting social gatherings and public events forced the organizers of the Rainer Foundation gala to move the event online.

This year's Giro d'Italia winners, Tao Geoghegan Hart (Ineos Grenadiers) and Hannah Barnes (Canyon SRAM), benefited from the Rayner Foundation early in their careers.

As always, there will also be an auction, with all items available for bidding during the week. Interactions using the hashtags #daveraynerfund and #RaynerDinner2020 are welcome, and donations can be made through the Dave Rayner Foundation website.

"A year ago, the Dave Rayner Fund took a big step forward," Jocelyn Ryan, a member of the fund, told Cycling News. [The foundation, which has been in existence for 25 years, has achieved the status of a charitable organization. It has also received support from the Rapha Foundation, which actively funds young riders through several initiatives. Unfortunately, 2020 did not go as planned. Championship restrictions meant that several riders were barely able to race, and the gala dinner in Leeds did not take place.

"On the other hand, we saw Tao Geoghegan Hart win the Giro d'Italia, the best performance ever by an athlete supported by Rayner. We wanted to celebrate this and let everyone know that we are still in business by hosting an online dinner."

"Cycling fans can follow us on our social media platforms, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Watch for special video messages from the guests of honor, athletes, and supporters during the banquet. You too can participate by posting photos and messages of support." The online event will begin at 5:00 p.m. CST and will not be streamed at all times, but organizers will periodically post videos and announce this year's Rider of the Year award.

In addition to Geoghegan Hart and Barnes, many other young riders are in the early stages of their careers, including Adam Yates, David Miller, Molly Weaver, and Charlie Wegelius.

Here is the special Facebook page for the virtual event: Rainer Foundation Virtual Dinner 2020 (opens in new tab) [21]