Tour gives Frome the cobble wobbles

THERE was a bicycle bonanza in Frome last week when the town staged the start of the South West leg of the Tour of Britain.

As well as the serious competition, the town also hosted fun cycling events for all to take part in.

The Street Bandits provided the soundtrack for the Cobble Wobble.
A rather scary Martin Bourne wobbles his way up the hill with his dog Kaz in tow.
Frome mayor Damon Hooton savours his moment of glory after cycling up Catherine Hill.
Peter Clarke managed to cycle up Catherine Hill in just 37 seconds.

Frome Town Council has described its Vélo Jam, held the evening before the big race as "an overwhelming success".

Commenting on the jam, which attracted thousands of people, Damon Hooton, the Mayor of Frome, said, "I am absolutely delighted by the way everything turned out, it exceeded even my hopes for Frome."

The jam included a Cobble Wobble, which saw cyclists competing in time trials to be the fastest to cycle up Catherine Hill's cobbled street. More than 50 riders pushed their leg and lung power to the limit in the race, which was won by Neil Cousins in an amazing time of under 24 seconds.

Mountain bike stunt shows drew large crowds, as did the trade stands, exhibitions, and numerous other attractions at the celebration of cycling.

Mr Hooton continued: "I just wish those people that always criticise the behaviour of our young people could have seen the immaculate behaviour on Wednesday night.

"We cannot thank our supporters enough, particularly Frome based Charge Bikes for the donation of a bike worth over £500 for their Track Stand competition.

"On the day of the race, I was honoured to award the leader of the King of the Mountains competition his polka dot jersey on the podium and when I was asked to drop the flag to start the race I felt that I was waving the flag for Frome.

"The feedback we are receiving has been nothing but praise about the organisation of the events and calls for the Vélo Jam to happen again next year."

Mr Hooton said he hoped the Vélo Jam could become an annual event, and concluded by thanking everyone who helped with the town's Tour of Britain celebrations.

"I have heard that Frome's pre-race event was considered by officials to be very special and the best the Tour of Britain has seen. I would like to thank everyone that worked with the town council to make this such a success," he said.

Pictures by Martin Bax