Generous riders from across Yorkshire and beyond helped Bradford Olympic Cycling Club raise more than £700 for charity at their annual Christmas fancy dress cyclo-cross race.

A different charity is selected each year and the 2007 entry fees and raffle money will all go to the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London.

Paul Young of Keighley, despite being just 15, took second spot in the 40-strong seniors event, tussling with Huddersfield's Richard Binks throughout the 30-minute race at Heptonstall Social Club, Hebden Bridge.

Binks was dressed as an Arab, while Young chose to wear the clothes of a city gent, but it obviously failed to hinder their performance.

Perhaps most impressive was the effort of Paul Milnes-Bradford Olympic RT rider Rob Thackray, who rode to third place despite wearing a rather cumbersome beer bottle suit, while his junior team-mate Rob Watson took fourth as a mechanic.

Organiser Fred Rothwell said: "It was a big success. There were so many people there and they were all so generous in helping us out.

"With entry fees, raffles and other bits and pieces, we've raised more than £700 for the cause."

East Bradford CC youngster Billy Harding continued his domination of the local cycling scene with victory in the under-12s race to add to his convincing victory in the Yorkshire Points Series.

Pedalsport RT rider Clare Crabtree, dressed as an elf, was best of the ladies.

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