The Victor Berlemont Trophy Race

The Victor Berlemont Trophy Road Race was first held in 1951, organised by Southern Velo in honour of Victor Berlemont, the much-loved landlord of the York Minster pub (now The French House) in Soho. Though not a coureur himself, Victor was a key figure in London's cycling scene — his pub was a legendary meeting place for artists, free-thinkers and cyclists.

Victor, a Belgian immigrant, ran the York Minster with charm and in a manner which attracted an unusual clientele. Apart from the famous bohemians, many club cyclists would gather there, sharing tales and debating cycling politics over drinks. There was a rationale behind this: the disruption caused by the 1939-45 war was at least partly responsible for the rise of the British League of Racing Cyclists (BLRC), a rebel organisation which promoted continental style road racing in the face of strong opposition from the cycling establishment. The generally subversive atmosphere of Soho and Victor’s pub were a perfect match.

 Berlemont senior died in 1953 but the pub continued, in the same style, under his son Gaston Berlemont, who ran the business until his retirement in1989.It was Gaston—himself a member of Southern Velo and Vice-President of the BLRC—who was the prime mover in promoting the race which quickly became a major fixture on the southern racing calendar.

A Roll of Honour

The first edition in 1951 was won by Chris Hooper of Southern Velo.

The race soon opened to riders from other clubs and became part of the BLRC and later British Cycling Federation (BCF) calendars.

Over the years, it attracted many top-level competitors, with notable winners including:

 Brian Wilcher (Army CU) – 1956

 Dave Bedwell – 1960, 1962, 1964

 John Froude (Festival RC) – 1965

 Peter Chisman (Raleigh) – 1966

 Les West (Holdsworth/Campagnolo) – 1969–71

 Gary Crewe (National Road Race Champion) – 1972

 Dave Rayner (East Bradford) – 1992

The race was last run in 1996, but in 2010 it was successfully revived by Doug Collins with support from the Surrey League. Since then, it has regained its place as a prestigious National B-level event.

The Pedal Club is proud to provide both financial and moral support to help secure the future of this historic race.

The 2025 Edition

The Victor Berlemont Trophy Road Race returns in 2025 as a 112-mile National B event, designed to offer a challenge on par with National A races.

 Date: Sunday, 24th August 2025

 Circuit: Woodcote/South Stoke, South Oxfordshire

 Start/Finish: Woodcote Village Hall, RG8 0QY

 Promoted by: High Wycombe Cycling Club

 Organiser: Andrew Pearce – andynut52@gmail.com

First run in South Mimms, Herts in 1951 (distance: 96 miles, first prize: £3!), the racemoved to Surrey in the 1970s and found its current home in Woodcote in 2014. With the recent introduction of 20mph limits in nearby Goring, the race now uses the shorter Woodcote–South Stoke Circuit, which still includes the brutal climb from South Stoke to Woodcote.

Prizes include:

 £200 and the Victor Berlemont Trophy for the winner

 Awards for the fastest climbers from South Stoke — but only if they finish!

This is one of the toughest road races in the UK, combining steep climbs, open roads, and the legacy of generations of British cycling.

How to Enter

 Enter online via British Cycling

 Entry Deadline: Sunday, 10th August 2025

 Event URN: 555101

For any queries, contact:

 Event Organiser & Safeguarding Lead: Andrew Pearce

 �� andynut52@gmail.com