Cyclist saves bacon of piglet prize

A British cyclist who won a race in Spain was shocked to be presented with his trophy - a live piglet.

Chris Bartlett, 26, from Ipswich, decided to compete in the race, in Huercal Overa, as part of his winter training schedule.

The pro cyclist, who races for the Metaltek team, had no idea what the first prize would be until he was on the winner's podium.

Mr Bartlett said: "There's nothing like a competitive race to keep your fitness levels up so when I saw the race advertised I entered.

"I had no idea what the prize would be. After I'd won and the official handed me the pig I said: "What am I supposed to do with it." He said: "Eat it!"

The piglet is traditionally expected to grace the winner's Christmas Dinner table - but Mr Bartlett has decided to save its bacon.

He has persuaded Ollie Watts, the English owner of his training camp - Kinetic PB - to keep the pig, now named Lucky Rapha, as a mascot.

Mr Watts added: "Lucky is already a big hit with the athletes who are staying at the camp who touch her for luck every morning.

"She has to be the luckiest piglet alive and we are delighted to have helped save her from the chop."