THE mud was flying in a Bradford park as a major national cycling event rode into town.

An estimated 1,500 spectators and cyclists braved strong winds and heavy rain as British Cycling's Cyclo-cross National Trophy came to Peel Park today.

A 1.5-mile course winding across the park became increasingly muddier as hundreds of riders tore around the track, often having to dismount and carry their bikes over carefully-placed obstacles or up steep slopes.

The day started with veterans' events for the over 40s, over 50s and over 60s. Then came the juniors races, followed by the elite events.

A second track had been set up further down the park for about 100 young children competing in under-eights, under-10s and under 12s contests.

Organiser Fred Rothwell, Yorkshire Cyclo-cross secretary and a member of Halifax-based Pedalsport Cycling Club, said Peel Park had hosted the event five or six times over the past ten years, and was a very popular course.

He said the Peel Park course was seen as "the bee's knees" as spectators had a great view of all the action.

He said: "It's one of the best courses in the country."

And Mr Rothwell said with about 500 people taking part this year, the number of riders was soaring.

He said: "That's because of the success of the Olympics. The other thing is the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire. Now everybody wants to chuck their leg over a bike."

The action at Peel Park was the penultimate round in the 2014/15 National Trophy competition, with the last round to be held in Shrewsbury next month.

Keighley teenager Alfie Moses, 16, needed a fourth win in five races to seal overall victory in the National Trophy's junior men's section.

The Paul Milnes Cycles-Bradford Olympic RC rider ended the day in third and will go to the final round in Derbyshire next month looking for a final win.

A host of other top riders from the district were also took part.

Sophie Thackray, of Eldwick, was competing in the girls under 16 race, while Chris Young, of Shipley, wa sracing in the over-50s; Ian Taylor, of of Cononley, in the 40-49 years and Bingley’s Marie Jackson, among the leading women.

John Wood, of Ilkley Cycling Club, took part in the over 40s veterans' event.

"I did it last year, so this is the second time I've taken part. It was good fun, if a bit muddy. But that's part and parcel of the sport," said Mr Wood, of Ilkley.

Ian McParland, of Skipton, was there to cheer on his son's girlfriend, Emily Barnes, who was cycling for Specialised in the elite women's race.

He said Cyclo-cross was great fun to watch and had a huge following in places like Belgium.