Cycling has long been part of Shepparton’s sporting heritage, dating back to Hubert Opperman’s connection with the local club in 1929. Photo created by Sora.
Hidden in History is a new weekly column that unearths the quirky, curious and sometimes eyebrow-raising tales from Shepparton’s past. Provided by the Shepparton Heritage Centre, these articles are rooted in fact — but told with a wink and a sense of humour.
An enduring name of Australian cycling, Hubert Opperman, became a member of the Shepparton Cycle Club in 1929.
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He had not previously been attached to a club, but when he was elected to the council of cycling’s controlling body, the League of Victorian Wheelmen, it was deemed necessary for him to represent a Victorian cycle club.
Due to Opperman’s mateship with Shepparton riders, including the Ducat brothers Don, Syd and Hughey, he chose Shepparton as his ‘home’ club.
To support his move, Oppy gave a lecture at the Paramount Open Theatre, featuring slides from his trip to France as captain of the Australian team that competed in the 1928 Tour de France.
Following his talk, the first roller cycling contest was staged to great acclaim, with Gordon Ellis streaking the field.
The Shepparton Amateur Cycling Club was duly formed on April 30, 1931.
