Item ST 32233 Medal - Cycling, Awarded to Hubert Opperman, Dunlop Road Race, Warrnambool to Melbourne, Victoria, 1929

Summary

Cycling award for Hubert Opperman, 1929. Dunlop - Warrnambool to Melbourne Road Race. Fastest time - 8 hours, 7 minutes, 10 seconds. Blue on gold.

The Warrnambool to Melbourne (Australasian Road Championship) had not been run for two years, and was 'revived' by Dunlop Rubber Co. in 1929. This was to be the last time Opperman won the famous 165 mile race, and it was also a fairly controversial one.

Opperman (who originally came in second place), alongside H. Marshall (first place) were initially disqualified. Opperman allegedly 'interfered with the final sprint', whilst Marshall went down for 'accepting a drink on the road'. Opperman later won an appeal, was awarded first prize, but fined £15 for negligent riding.

Award presented by Dunlop Perdriau Rubber Co.