German YouTuber crowned cheese-rolling champion in melting heat | BBC News

A German YouTuber has retained his title as cheese rolling champion in Gloucestershire, England, for the third year in a row. Tom Kopke, known online as Tooleko, beat local competitor and Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson in the first race of the annual event on Cooper's Hill in Brockworth. Thousands of people gathered in the baking heat to watch competitors from all over the world chase a 7lb (3kg) wheel of Double Gloucester cheese - which can reach speeds of up to 70mph - down the 1:2 gradient slope. "It's everyone's race and you have just got to give your best, and the best man wins," Kopke said. The heavy spring rain had softened the hill, but recent hot weather dried it out and made conditions firmer and more dangerous for competitors. Kopke, who travelled from Munich to retain his title in the men's downhill race, said the conditions were "optimal" this year. He said: “This was I think my best year ever and I tried to stay on my feet for as long as possible. I think I got a good recovery on the middle of the hill and then sprinted the rest”. Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jules Hyam. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews