More than 70 cyclists saddled up on Sunday to Ride le Route.

And their effort raised about £1,500 for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

About half of the 43-mile route followed the Bradford-district section to be covered by the Tour de France next year.

The world-famous race comes to this region next July, and will take in Silsden, Steeton, Keighley, Oxenhope, Haworth and Stanbury.

Sunday’s ride started and finished at a Sky Ride event in Bradford, and was held in partnership with British Cycling, Bradford Council and Sky Ride Bradford.

Manorlands fundraiser Andrew Wood said: “It went really well, and the feedback we received was it’s a good route.

“We are grateful to British Cycling, the council and Sky Ride for inviting us to be part of this. It was an honour to be chosen.

“I would also like to say a big thank-you to all the participants, and to the volunteers who helped out at the start and along the route.

“It was a tremendous effort by everyone.”

First to complete the course was Gary Bailey, in two hours 28 minutes.

The event also marked the launch of a Manorlands cycling raffle, Prizes include a ‘golden ticket’ free entry to all the hospice’s sporting events next year. Raffle tickets are available, priced £1, from the hospice.

l Manorlands is appealing for cyclists to take part on its behalf in next year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey, a 100-mile route.

The ballot for places opened online at prudentialridelondon.co.uk this week. To join the Manorlands team in the event, on August 10, 2014, tick the Sue Ryder box when they apply.

This year’s ride, which took place earlier this month, is expected to raise £65,000 for Sue Ryder.