COPS have launched an investigation after a cyclist died during a charity bike ride.
Police said that the rider was a man aged in his 60s after he was found dead at the scene in Smallfield, Surrey.
Event marshals swiftly changed the route of the annual ride-out to the seaside town, to divert other bike riders away from the tragic scene.
The man who died has not yet been named by police. A post mortem examination will take place on his body to ascertain the exact cause of his death and an inquest will be opened and adjourned next week by the Surrey coroner.
A spokesman for Surrey Police said tonight: “Officers were called at 9.56am this morning by the South East Coast Ambulance service whose crews were responding to a medical emergency on Redehall Road in Smallfield, involving a cyclist who had been taking part in the London to Brighton cycle ride.
“The cyclist, a man aged in his 60, sadly died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
“Road closures were put in place and Event Marshalls redirected the route for remaining cyclists. The road closures have since been lifted and all roads are open.
“We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward to help our investigation into the circumstances.”
This charity bike ride is the oldest in Europe – thousands of people take part in the 54-mile route from the capital to the beach and raise vital funds for lifesaving research. The rider died in the Smallfield, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) told local media.
