A cyclist taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride died after collapsing on the steep climb up Ditchling Beacon.
The 48-year-old man stopped at 1.40pm yesterday afternoon. Staff from both St John Ambulance and South East Coast Ambulance Service helped resuscitate him.
An air ambulance attended although the man, from Leighton Buzzard, was later taken by road to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he died.
Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor said: “This was a tragic incident and our sympathies to go 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.
“This was a tragic incident in what was otherwise another successful charity ride. Large numbers of spectators attended to watch nearly 30,000 cyclists take part. Whilst there is always some disruption with the sheer volume of cyclists passing through Sussex, the tragic incident today at Ditchling Beacon added to some delays. I appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during the day.”
Ditchling Beacon was closed until 2.30pm and cyclists were stopped in groups ahead of the Beacon to manage the closure.
