THOUSANDS of cyclists will head to the coast this weekend for a major fundraising event.

The British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride is the oldest charity event of its kind in Europe and always attract shuge crowds.

The sunny weather forecast for Sunday is expected to boost numbers.

With almost 15,000 riders descending on the city, people are being warned of road closures and potential disruption throughout the day.

In Brighton, Madeira Drive will be fully closed from 6am until midnight on Sunday.

Coldean Lane will be closed from 8am until 9pm on Sunday, while Mill Road is shut from 7.30am to 9pm.

There will be other road closures from about 6am as cyclists travel through Sussex from Turners Hill near Crawley, through Mid Sussex to Ditchling Beacon. They will be reopened as soon as possible.

Brighton and Hove Buses has warned passengers that due to road closures, several services will be suspended or diverted throughout the day. More details can be found at buses.co.uk.

Riders will begin arriving in Madeira Drive from 8am, with the busiest wave between 10am and 2pm.

Southern is reminding cyclists they will not be able to take their bikes back on the train and are advised to make alternative arrangements.

No bikes will be allowed on any Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express services from start of service until midday on Sunday.

After midday the restrictions will continue on train services leaving stations between Brighton and Gatwick.

Passengers are warned they will also face some disruption on Saturday and Monday due to travelling cyclists.

Services will only be able to hold a limited number of bikes and a queuing system will be in place.