World champs and supermodels ride for charity

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Following his win at the Tour of Qatar current world champion Tom Boonen joined a host of celebrities, including Eddy Merckx and Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista, for the 'Wheels and Heels' charity ride on February 4 to raise money for victims of various natural disasters throughout Asia. The event was part of the 'Reach out to Asia' initiative, which has organised concerts and sporting events in order to assist countries suffering the effects of earthquakes that have hit the Asian region over the past 12-18 months.

Participants were sponsored to ride laps of a four kilometre course, with celebrities riding alongside employees from the Al Fardan group, Arabic singer Ihab Tawfiq and Egyptian actress Layla Elwy. Sheilcha Al Mayassa bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the daughter of the Emir of Qatar rode with Evangelista and co, demonstrating the support Qataris have for the cause of Asian relief. There was also a concert by Bryan Adams and a football match featuring Dutch professionals Frank and Ronald de Boer as part of the day's proceedings.

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Images by AFP Photo

• World champion Tom Boonen signs autographs for young Qataris
• Now that's the wheel to get on... Linda Evangelista heads the pack during Saturday's Wheels n Heels charity ride
• Well, it's not that hard to ride a bike really fast...Tom Boonen chats with Evangelista before the ride
• Hello Erik, my name's Linda... Erik Zabel and Linda Evangelista perform formalities while on the bike in Qatar
• Eddy Merckx (c) rides with Sheilcha Al Mayassa bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the daughter of the Emir of Qatar
• A star-studded charity event that included (l-r): Tom Boonen, Linda Evnagelista and Eddy Merckx
• It's easy, if you know how it's done! Evangelista (r) and Sheilcha Al Mayassa bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani ride in Qatar