The world-famous Frome Cobble Wobble is returning, inviting cyclists of all ages and abilities to take on the challenging 179-yard hill climb sprint up Frome’s iconic cobbled street, finishing at the top of Catherine Hill.
The event, which was a staple of Frome’s annual calendar between 2009 and 2012, is open to everyone from pro athletes to members of the public of all ages – and fancy dress is encouraged but not mandatory.
In previous years, it has attracted internationally acclaimed cyclists from across the world, with the fastest time recorded by six-time British trial champion Chris Akrigg at 21.51 seconds.
The event will take place this year on Sunday 14th September, come rain or shine. Organiser Andrew Denham describes it as ‘much more’ than just a race.
“It’s a big silly party that just happens to be stretched out over 179 yards of cobbled hill. With bikes, fancy dress and the odd world champion athlete thrown into the mix, it’s quirky and positively life-affirming,” said Andrew.
“With the narrowness of the streets, the backdrop of 17th-century buildings, and a cheering crowd packed along the full length of the course, the Cobble Wobble is like nothing else. The event is no more about going fast than it is about getting involved and having fun.”
Top names sponsoring the event this year include Red Bull, GoPro, Marin Bikes and Schwalbe Tyres, as well as local businesses such as Positive Experience, as well as Frome Town Council.
New additions
This year, there will be a few new additions to the event, including two new categories – the Cobble Waddle and the Cobble Wobble Junior – and increased entry capacity to ‘accommodate the endless fancy dress possibilities’ plus an accessible viewing platform along Palmer Street for those with access needs.
Andrew said, “The new categories: the Cobble Waddle will see people ride balance bikes and start 20 yards up the hill with all the usual commentary; the Cobble Wobble Junior is for children with little legs who won’t be able to make it all the way up the hill.
“210 UCI points are also available for the winner, on a par with a Tour de France stage win.”
Prizes
The sponsors are working on a range of prizes, including bikes and balance bikes. While the winners are awarded something ‘special,’ Andrew said the ‘big’ prizes are awarded by lottery, with the names of contenders put into a hat.
“This means anyone is in with a chance of winning something quite big,” he said.
“The winner of each category, along with the 20 fastest overall riders, qualifies for the prestigious evening spectacular to crown the ‘King and Queen of the Cobbles,’ the overall winners of the event.”
Created and organised by Andrew since 2009, 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 being the inspiration for the Red Bull Hill Chasers event, held in cities across the world.
Andrew first organised the Cobble Wobble in 2009 to celebrate Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain, which began in Frome that year. He went on to run the event four times in total.
He said, “In 2009 the Tour of Britain was going on, and there was a stage that started in Frome. The council asked people within the town to come up with and put on cycling events to commemorate and celebrate that occasion. Lots of things went on, and I ran quite a big mountain bike club at the time with around 250 members. I then organised and ran it with the mountain bike club. I continued to carry the event on as an annual event for the town.
“The Cobble Wobble is to Frome what cheese-rolling is to Brockworth in Gloucester.”
