» Nice and cheesy does it - winners get on a roll
OLD and new faces claimed the spoils as spectators, competitors and press from around the world flocked to the annual Cheese Rolling.
TV crews from Germany and America were on hand to watch the daring contestants plunge down Coopers Hill in pursuit of the prized double Gloucesters.
Among the winners was Canadian Mark Kit who was visiting the event on his first visit to England.
He said: “I didn’t know what was going on.
“I took the first ten steps and then I just started sliding. Next thing I knew, I was at the bottom.”
With record-breaking champion Chris Anderson taking a break, the three men’s races were shared with Max Mcdougall, 22, winning the first race.
Max, from Brockworth, said: “It was all right - better than last year when I knocked myself out. I usually come second to Chris.”
There was one familiar face taking the prize, Ryan Fairley claiming his ninth cheese.
The 29 year old looked a little worse for wear but reassured onlookers there was nothing to worry about.
He said: “My back does hurt a little bit, I’m not going to lie. But it’s nothing, you know, that won’t sort itself out and I’ve got work tomorrow.”
Four-time winner Flo Early won the women’s race before announcing it would be her last.
She said: “I’m done now, this is it, I’m retired. I’m in pain with this ankle, it’s a sprain but it feels pretty uncomfortable.
“If you go fast from the beginning the hill will do the rest.
“You want to keep your ankles heavy in the ground and aim for the gate that’s the tips I have been given.”
There was also a farewell from organiser Sara Stevens who revealed after nine years she will no longer be involved in the organising of the event.
But she suffered a painful finale after sticking out her foot to stop one a cheese.
A visit to hospital revealed an internal crush injury.
She said:
“It was my own fault. It normally spins and you can put your foot on it but this wasn’t spinning.
“That’s what you get for sticking your foot out. Stupid idiot me.”