UK: Olympic hero puts cycling vest and pot of olives on eBay to raise funds for Amnesty

Olympic cycling silver medallist Emma Pooley today put a range of memorabilia on eBay to help raise funds for Amnesty International.

The items are all from her recent victory at the Haute Route 2012 Cyclosportive race and go from the surreal to the iconic. The highlight is a signed leader’s jersey, but cycling enthusiasts can also bid for the watch she was given for winning the event, and even a gift set of olives.

Emma won silver at the Beijing Games in the Time Trial. Although she finished sixth in this year’s Olympics, Emma is widely credited with helping Lizzie Armitstead win silver in the road race. Emma was also the first British winner of the Road World Championship Time Trial. She won the event in Australia in 2010.

The Haute Route is a 780-kilometre race across the Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice.

The Wandsworth-born Norwich-resident said:

“I really enjoyed taking part in the Haute Route 2012 Cyclosportive. Just riding that fantastic race, and having the pleasure of meeting so many of the other participants, was reward enough – I have no need for the generous prizes. Please bid for them on eBay to raise money for Amnesty International to help them stand up for human rights.”

To bid for the items visit www.amnesty.org.uk/auction . Bidding closes at 8pm on Monday 10 September.