A German YouTuber has triumphed at the renowned Gloucestershire cheese-rolling competition after narrowly beating a local competitor who emerged from retirement to defend his title.
Victory for Tom Kopke
Recent two-time winner Tom Kopke, 24, overtook Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson near the finishing line, having pursued an 8lb double Gloucester cheese down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth. After the race, he announced: "This year's cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won."
Both competitors risked fractured bones and severe injuries, joining approximately two dozen thrill-seekers who hurled themselves down the precipitous hillside in the annual death-defying cheese-rolling race.
Challenging Conditions
Fearless participants sprinted, stumbled, and rolled down Cooper's Hill attempting to claim the double Gloucester prize. Heavy spring downpours had loosened the course, though recent warm weather made it harder and more treacherous for the racers, who were encouraged by thousands of onlookers.
With temperatures soaring during what meteorologists predicted could become the warmest spring bank holiday on record, both participants and spectators battled scorching conditions, with the thermometer reaching nearly 30C in Gloucestershire.
Anderson Returns from Retirement
This year's races carried additional competitive tension as Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson, 38, returned from retirement following a challenge from YouTuber and recent two-time champion Tom Kopke. Mr Kopke, from Munich, emerged victorious after edging out Mr Anderson near the finish line in the first men's downhill race. The German, who held onto the crown he has claimed for the past two years, was hugged by his competitor at the bottom after being announced the winner.
"This was I think my best year ever and I tried to stay on my feet for as long as possible," Mr Kopke said. "I don't know how it went but I gave everything. It's everyone's race and you have just got to give your best and the best man wins. The hill was better than last year as the hill was really dry, but this year it was the optimal conditions – not too dry and a bit soft so the falls got cushioned. I think I got a good recovery on the middle of the hill and then sprinted the rest. This year's cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won."
When questioned about his preparation, he responded: "Shut off your brain and go for it. The entire race I saw Chris in front of me and I had to get him."
History of the Event
Mr Anderson, from Brockworth, has triumphed 23 times between 2005 and 2022. Renegade cheese rollers have been organising their own unofficial event following health and safety concerns that led to the official competition being scrapped in 2010. The cheese is pursued 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient Cooper's Hill at Brockworth.
Following a year's break, when police cautioned against using a real cheese, the substitute lightweight foam cheese was swapped back for the authentic version. Veteran cheesemaker Rod Smart, who has been crafting the cheeses used in the chase for over 25 years, once again supplied the wheels for this year's occasion. Four cheeses weighing approximately 3kg each, along with three smaller ones weighing around 1.5kg, are used throughout the event.
The quirky tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is believed to have its origins in a heathen festival marking the arrival of spring. The official event was called off after more than 15,000 spectators descended to watch the 2009 competition. Since then, it has taken place unofficially, with police keeping a close eye on proceedings. Roads have been closed for up to two and a half miles around the slope. Some competitors made the journey from across the globe to take part in the series of madcap races, which drew international television crews.
