CYCLISTS from across the UK saddled up to compete in a road race in memory of a Bradford rider.

The Nigel Moore Memorial Road Race attracted 60 cyclists from the Bradford district, Liverpool and North Wales who completed 20 laps of a course which started outside the Rock and Heifer Inn in Thornton.

The 68 kilometre race is organised by VC Bradford/Pennine Cycles and held annually in honour of VC Bradford member Nigel Moore, who died of a heart attack aged 54 in May 2013.

Mr Moore's partner, Angela Farrell, started the race and also waved the finishing flag.

"It was a very emotional day," she said.

"It is just such a massive honour for the club to hold this day for Nigel. It keeps his memory alive. It's fantastic. Everyone at the club has been really supportive since Nigel died.

"He was a keen cyclist, so he would have been absolutely thrilled to have a race named after him.

"I was very proud to start and finish the race for a third time too."

Mr Moore's family donated a trophy to be given to the first VC Bradford member to finish, which was Steve Ayres for the second year in a row.

Today's overall winner was Marc Colclough, of NFTO Racing Club, based in North Wales.

Second place went to junior rider Fergus Robinson, of Allen Valley Velo, based in the North East.

The event is open to any rider who is looking to move into competitive cycling and gives them a taste for this style of racing.

Several of Mr Moore's other relatives, including his mother, Jean Moore, also attended the race.

Event organiser Caroline Towers, who is also a member of VC Bradford, said the event was a success and one Mr Moore would have been proud of.

"Nigel would have loved having a race named after him," she said.

"He was a big member of the club. He was a member of VC Bradford for more than ten years.

"The race is a good way to keep his memory on.

"He was a very popular member of the club. He was always very friendly. He just enjoyed talking to people about cycling."

Miss Towers said the event was growing each year.

"This is the third time we have done the race and it's getting bigger each year. We are getting more support from local businesses now too. It is getting a good response," she said.

"People have come from across England and Wales to take part. People came up especially to take part.

"This year's race went really well."

She said six juniors had taken part, which was the most so far.

For more information on joining VC Bradford, e-mail club secretary Paul Corcoran at paul@penninecycles.com or go to penninecycles.com/v-c-bradford.