Cyclists take on Catherine Hill as Cobble Wobble returns

The iconic Cobble Wobble returned this month, with cyclists of all ages and abilities tackling the challenging sprint up Frome’s Catherine Hill.

Over 1,000 people lined the hill to cheer the cyclists vying to reach the top as quickly as possible. Over the course of the day, 150 participants signed up to take part.

The overall winners, named King and Queen of the Cobbles, were 18-year-old Frome resident Charlie Hoy, who completed the challenge in 32.54 seconds, and 13-year-old Amelie Eaton from Trowbridge, who climbed the hill in 34.52 seconds. Amelie races BMX competitively and is striving to make it her professional career.

Organiser and founder of the event, Andrew Denham, said, “It was an amazing event and we are so incredibly grateful for the community support in terms of those who turned out to support the cyclists on the day, took part in the challenge, and the small businesses which helped out and made the event possible.”

The event was a staple of Frome’s annual calendar between 2009 and 2012. It is open to everyone from professional athletes to members of the public of all ages, with many wearing fancy dress to take part.

Top sponsors of the event included Red Bull, GoPro, Marin Bikes and Schwalbe Tyres, as well as local businesses such as Positive Experience and Frome Town Council.

Following the success of this year’s event, Andrew said some of the sponsors have already signed up for next year.

Over the years, the event has attracted participants and media coverage from around the world. It is also credited with inspiring events such as the ‘Cobble Hoppel’ in Germany and serving as the inspiration for the Red Bull Hill Chasers event, held in cities across the world.

In previous years, it has attracted internationally acclaimed cyclists, with the fastest time recorded by six-time British trial champion Chris Akrigg at 21.51 seconds.

Pictures by Adam Gasson