Dulwich Paragon Cycling Club

Dulwich Primavera - 51st Wally Gimber trophy event

On the 21st March the Dulwich Paragon is promoting the 51st consecutive running of the Dulwich Primavera spring 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 in the post war years. He excelled on the local Herne Hill track and in 1948-9 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.

Recent winners include Bradley Wiggins who needs no introduction. Last year’s race was won by the experienced Rob Hurd who outwitted teams of elite riders for a lone win and equalled Simon Cope’s record of four wins in the event.

Race Organiser Nigel Wood said: ‘The race this year is a special one for the promoting club. 2010 is the Dulwich Paragon’s 75th anniversary and we are proud of the club’s long and distinguished history. With membership at an all time high we have a number of special events and promotions planned for the season with the Wally Gimber being our flagship race’.

The event is being run in conjunction with SERRL and the transponder system will be used again this year to ensure accurate judging each lap and at the finish. The National Escort Group will also be assisting with the race.

Entries are now being accepted online through Rider HQ. Further details of the event will shortly be on the club website – www.dulwichparagon.com

Wally storming to another win at a packed Herne Hill in the 1940s