Cyclist dies after collapsing on London-Brighton ride

A 48-year-old cyclist taking part in yesterday’s London to Brighton ride collapsed on the way up Ditchling Beacon and despite being resuscitated by paramedics died later in hospital in Brighton.

The man, who came from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, has not yet been named, and according to event organisers the British Heart Foundation, it is the seventh fatality in the race’s 35-year history.

BBC News reported Nancy Prior, head of Events at the BHF, as saying: "We are deeply saddened that someone has died following the ride yesterday and extend our sincere condolences to their friends and family.”

She continued: "We are fully co-operating with the police and other authorities to investigate the circumstances."

Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor from Sussex Police stated: "This was a tragic incident and our sympathies go to the man's family.

"Medical staff accessed the scene quickly with St John Ambulance, paramedics and air ambulance attending, and the man was taken to hospital by ambulance under police escort.

"It is very sad that he later died."

Some of the 30,000 cyclists on the 54-mile ride, which is Europe’s largest charity bike ride were held up on the approach to Ditchling Beacon, at 814 feet the highest point on the route, as ambulance staff treated the collapsed cyclist.

Chief Inspector Taylor added: “I appreciate everyone's understanding and support during the day."