UPDATE: A man who died after collapsing during the London to Brighton bike ride has been named as Gary Allen.

The 48-year-old collapsed on his way up Ditchling Beacon at 1.40pm yesterday.

Staff from South East Coast Ambulance Service and volunteers from the St John Ambulance helped to resuscitate the man.

An air ambulance attended the scene although the man, from Leighton Buzzard, was later taken by road to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he died.

Ditchling Beacon was closed until 2.30pm and cyclists were stopped in groups ahead of the Beacon to manage the closure.

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.

“While 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.”