The Dulwich Paragon Cycling Club are promoting the Wally Gimber Trophy on March 25th for Elite/1/2/3 riders in a race over 140 kilometres. It is the 53rd consecutive running of the spring classic road race for the Wally Gimber trophy. The race at Tenterden, Kent is one of the country’s longest running events and attracts a top class field.
Wally Gimber was an active Dulwich Paragon member who excelled on the local Herne Hill track in the post war years. He was the London track, massed start and roller champion and set a national tandem paced half mile record of 48.55 seconds. He emigrated to the US in the 1960s but kept in regular touch with the club until his death in 1993.
Wally storming to another win at a packed Herne Hill in the 1940s
Past winners include a young Bradley Wiggins while Simon Cope and Rob Hurd are both four time winners of the race. Last year’s race was won by Steve Lampier of Sigma Sport who outsprinted Paris Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt in a close finish.
Photo courtesy of Dave Hayward – Steve Lampier beats a rider who has Tour de France stages, Magnus Backstedt.
For the second year running the race will form part of the Southern Spring Classics series with the winner being the highest overall points scorer across three races – the Jock Wadley, Dengie Marshes and Wally Gimber events. The trophy was won last year by Marcel Six. The race is again supported by Rummlaw, a Tunbridge Wells based employment law practice. Principal David Rumm is passionate about cycle sport and keen to support a race that many riders count as one of their favourite events. This year High5 energy drinks and products will also be sponsoring the race.
Former winner of the Wally Gimber and winner of the Southern Spring Classics trophy in 2011, Marcel Six.
Race organiser Nigel Wood said; “I’m delighted that with the generous support of our sponsors we are able to run a high standard event while also offering a good prize list. This year’s winner will take home the magnificent trophy and £300 with prizes down to 15th place.”
The South East Road Race League (SERRL) team will again be covering the finish line and providing fast accurate records using the transponder system. Entries are now open on Rider HQ with race information on the club website at dulwichparagon.com
The headquarters will be open from 9am: Woodchurch Community Centre, Lower Road, Woodchurch, Nr. Ashford, Kent, TN26 3SQ
Course: The first half mile from the HQ is neutralised. Start on the Woodchurch Road (B2067) heading west towards Tenterden. On the approach to Tenterden, continue up the hill where you will turn left at the cross roads (M) with Beacon Oak Road. Proceed south-east along Beacon Oak Road and Appledore Road (B2080). At Rother Levels, bear left through Reading Street (B2080) and continue east along Tenterden Road to Appledore. At the Appledore junction (M) turn left into The Street, and proceed north into Appledore Heath. Continue north along Woodchurch Road, Bench Hill and Appledore Road towards Woodchurch where turn left onto the B2067 and proceed west to complete the circuit. One lap = 12.4 miles = 19.9 km.
Finish: The finish is on the main course situated on the climb approx 2 miles before Woodchurch. On finishing riders are asked to ride straight to the HQ to avoid congesting the road but must make sure that unless their transponder is removed they do not turn and pass back over the finish line.
The race will be held over 7 laps = 87 miles = 140km
EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.dulwichparagon.com
Former winners
2011 Steve Lampier Sigma Sport
2010 Marcel Six Orbea – For Goodness Shakes
2009 Rob Hurd Dhc Columbus
2008 Simon Gaywood Plowman Craven Rt
2007 Tony Gibb Plowman Craven Rt
2006 Tony Gibb Plowman Craven Rt
2005 Rob Hurd
2004 Tony Gibb Pca Rt
2003 Gary Baker Angliasport
2002 Rob Hurd Team Peloton
2001 Bradley Wiggins Team Sport & Publicity
2000 Andy Lyons Bcf Private Member
1999 Simon Cope Heron Rt
1998 M Anand Canada
1997 Simon Cope Team Defeet
1996 Gary Baker Olympia Sport
1995 Gary Baker Olympia Sport
1994 Rob Hurd Cs Purbeck
1993 Simon Cope Pca
1992 Steve Cook Calleva Crc
1991 Simon Cope Pca
1990 Paul Panton Team Haverhill
1989 Barrie Clarke Wembley Rc
1988 Russell Fenton Gemini Bc
1987 Bruce Drew 34th Nomads
1986 Steve Cook Calleva Crc
1985 John Shand Vc D’or
1984 Gary Owen Chequers Rc
1983 Brian Phillips Manchester Wheelers
1982 John Withey Addiscombe Cc
1981 Dave Carter Phoenix Crc
1980 Bob Arnold Ross Wheelers
1979 Paul Dennis Gemini Bc
1978 Ron Keeble 34th Nomads
1977 Tony James De Laune Cc
1976 Dave Legrys 34th Nomads
1975 Dave Peachey 34th Nomads
1974 Dave Pittman Lewisham Rc
1973 Dave Carter 34th Nomads
1972 Greg Garland Vc Anglia Sport
1971 John Sargeant Vulcan Crc
1970 Robin Buchan Norwood Paragon Cc
1969 Robin Buchan Norwood Paragon Cc
1968 Gary Smith Ross Wheelers
1967 Paul Jarvis Clarence Wheelers
1966 Brian Kirby Medway Velo
1965 Brian Kirby Medway Velo
1964 Ron Beech Australia
1963 Dave Bonner Old Portlians Cc
1962 Dave Bonner Old Portlians Cc
1961 Roy Newlove West Kent Rc
1960 Brian Dacey De Laune Cc
