The organisers of the Thüringen Rundfahrt women's race have presented a cheque for 25,000 Euro (AUD 40,000) to the Amy Gillett Foundation at the official launch of the 2006 event overnight in Zeulenroda.

The Foundation was established in the wake of the tragic accident in July this year when an out of control car ploughed into the Australian women's cycling team who were training the day before the start of the 2005 Thüringen event. Champion cyclist and rower, Amy Gillett, was killed in the crash and her five team mates were seriously injured.

Retired Australian cyclist, Margaret Hemsley, a three time competitor in the Thüringen event, attended the launch to accept the cheque which was presented by Mr Uwe Jahn, Vice President of the Thüringer Cycling Association. Hemsley and her husband Greg Boorer live in Germany and both travelled to Zeulenroda to support the team in the wake of the accident. Hemsley also has a role as a team physiotherapist and Boorer is a mechanic with the national team.

Race organisers also confirmed the establishment of the Amy Gillett Memorial Prize to be awarded to the cyclist who best represents the values of fair play and teamwork during the Thüringen Rundfahrt. In 2006 this perpetual trophy will be presented for the first time by Amy's parents Denis and Mary Safe.

"The 25,000 Euro includes the prize money of this year's event which the riders and sponsors generously donated," said Hemsley after the presentation. "It also includes public donations, a portion of the profits of the Bad Homburg criterium (one of the post Tour de France criteriums featuring the pro men riders) and money raised by the local football club.

"Thüringen-Rundfahrt Tour Manager, Christian Bergemann, also made a personal contribution of 1,200 Euros," said Hemsley who spoke at the presentation about the aims of the Foundation and provided an update on the condition of the injured riders.

"We will never forget the kindness and care we received from people in the Thuringer region," said Hemsley. "From the first aid of the rescue workers and policemen and the excellent treatment by doctors and hospital staff to the support and best wishes that flooded in from the German people. It was overwhelming and on behalf of the Australian team and their families I thank you again."

The 2006 Thüringen Rundfahrt will take place from the 18th to the 23rd of July. More information on the race is available on the race website (see link above)

Amy Gillett Foundation

The Amy Gillett Foundation was established in July 2005 as a legacy to the memory of Australian cycling champion and Olympic rower, Amy Gillett.

The Foundation's mission is to:
· Promote road safety awareness amongst cyclists and motorists
· Fund and administer a scholarship program for young women cyclists to support their sporting and academic endeavours
· Provide support for the rehabilitation of Amy's five injured team mates

For information about the Amy Gillett Foundation, see link (above).

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