Sledgers strip off for Germany's annual Naked Sledging contest

A number of participants in Germany's annual Naked Sledging contest braved the cold to strip off and participate in the event in just their crash helmets, knickers and footwear.

The event at the central Harz region of the country at the weekend saw a crowd of some 17,000 people cheering as thirteen men and 13 women, all in their birthday suits, battled it out.

"I just think it is absolutely great. You get pure adrenaline from doing it," the Sun quoted racer Mark Schaefer as saying.

Gina Preising, another competitor, was equally excited about the sub-zero contest.

"It is really good fun. Although I am feeling the effects of the minus five temperatures," she stated.

Not only were competitors able to enjoy the thrill of the ride, the lucky winner was presented with a cheque for 840 pounds.