London to Brighton bike ride is cancelled

Each year around 15,000 cyclists take part in the 54 mile ride, which passes near Crawley and through Mid Sussex before ending on Brighton seafront.

It is the flagship event for British Heart Foundation and raised a record breaking £3.1 million in 2018.

The announcement comes at a time when the charity is having to cut its funding for new research in half due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on its fundraising. It says the continued support of the public is vital in ensuring it can continue its life saving work in the wake of the crisis.

The ride was due to have taken place on September 19.

The BHF is encouraging all would-be L2B cyclists to support the charity in 2021 by taking on its virtual cycling challenge, MyCycle, or the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride.

Liam O’Reilly, Head of the Events at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It’s heart breaking to have to cancel our London to Brighton Bike Ride for a second year and we know that many people will be disappointed by the decision. The uncertainty surrounding continued Covid-19 restrictions for large scale events coupled with a high financial risk of cancellation at short notice left us with no choice. But we’re determined to return with a bigger and better event in 2022.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of cyclists that take part in the event each year, pedalling the 54 miles from London to Brighton to raise funds for our life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.

“Heart and circulatory diseases take one in four lives in the UK and right now, people living with these conditions are being hit hardest by the pandemic. Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our research funding so it’s crucial we do everything possible to maintain our progress for the millions of people who need us. That’s why we’re urging people to take on a different event for the BHF this year like our virtual cycling event, MyCycle, or the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride.”

MyCycle has three challenges suitable for riders of all cycling abilities. You can choose to ride 100, 200 or 300+ miles over 30 days to raise vital funds for the BHF’s life saving research. It doesn’t matter how you cover the distance – you can do it on the road or in the gym, and on your own or as part of a team.

The BHF’s London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride on September 4 2021 is another option for those keen to take to the saddle this year for the BHF. The exhilarating 75-mile route over varied terrain will put your physical endurance levels to the test.

To sign up to MyCycle or the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride visit www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/mycycle / www.bhf.org.uk/l2boffroad

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