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Charity cyclists head for coast Charity cyclists reach the coast
(9 minutes later)
About 27,000 cyclists have taken part in Europe's largest charity bike event, from London to Brighton.About 27,000 cyclists have taken part in Europe's largest charity bike event, from London to Brighton.
The annual 54-mile ride on a scenic route through Surrey and Sussex to the south coast has raised more than £46.5m for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The annual 54-mile ride on a scenic route through Surrey and Sussex has raised over £46m for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in previous years.
Cyclists set off from Clapham Common at half hourly intervals from 0600 BST to 0930 BST and began arriving on Brighton seafront from about 0830 BST. Cyclists set off from Clapham Common at half-hourly intervals from 0600 BST to 0930 BST and began arriving on Brighton seafront from about 0830 BST.
Since 1980 when the BHF became involved over 650,000 riders have taken part.Since 1980 when the BHF became involved over 650,000 riders have taken part.
"The London to Brighton Bike Ride is a major fundraising event for the BHF and thanks must go to all the riders and sponsors for their support," said head of events for the BHF, Julie Sorrell. Most riders took about six hours to reach the finishing post.
"The funds raised from today's ride will make a huge difference to so many people's lives by helping us continue our fight against heart disease." Fantastic weather
Among those taking part was comedian Dave Gorman, who completed the route in three hours and 59 minutes.
"I wanted to get under four hours," he said.
"I'm really pleased I got up Ditchling Beacon. I'm officially fitter than I was four years ago when I did it last.
"Brilliant people came out to cheer. It's a great event to support the BHF."
A BHF spokeswoman said: "The day has gone really, really well.
"The weather has been fantastic - dry and sunny but with enough cloud cover to stop people getting too hot."
Sussex Police said there had been a number of accidents but no-one was seriously injured.
"There are obviously a lot of cyclists and a few of them have managed to collide with each other," said a spokesman.
"There have only been relatively minor injuries, the most serious are a suspected broken collar bone and suspected broken ribs."
A number of roads along the route were closed to traffic although most stayed open with restricted access, he said.