Chorley Harrier Ian Williams went off to France to enjoy what he thought would be a relaxing holiday with his family, but it just so happened to coincide with a local hill race.

The Alpe d'Huez is perhaps the most famous road climb in cycling, used frequently by The Tour de France as the finishing climb of a stage of a short, but intense, mountain time trial.

However, on this occasion, over 200 runners set off to climb the 13.8km route that contains 21 hairpin bends.

Although Ian had been training during his holiday on nearby hills, he was astonished to find himself in the lead after the half way stage.

With renewed confidence he maintained the effort to win the race in one hour 24 minutes.

He didn't get to wear the yellow jersey, but he instantly became a celebrity with the local folk.

Ian said afterwards "I've been training hard on the fells during the summer and losing a few pounds in weight has helped. I was absolutely delighted to win this race."