London to Brighton cycle takes place despite Queen death

The event has seen cyclists testing themselves on the 55 mile route which winds its way through Sussex before ending in Madeira Drive near Palace Pier.

Roads have been closed for those wheeling into the city as the finish line became a sea of tired but elated riders.

Vince Mondezi, 63, said: "It was great! All the cyclists were very, very friendly.

Vince Mondezi, 63, after the London to Brighton Cycle (NQ Staff) (Image: NQ Staff)

"I just did it as a personal challenge, if you have never done it and are a cyclist you definitiely should."

Like many riders, Vince said that the most difficult part of the ride was the gruelling Ditchling Beacon because "every turn you thought you were at the top but you weren't".

Father and son team Lawrence and Andrew Still, 31 and 60, agreed, with Lawrence adding that "the hill was something else but once you get to the top there's no better feeling".

Andrew, who was riding the route for his second time, said: "We're going to find a beer and celebrate!"

This year's ride is going ahead despite the death of Queen Elizabeth II which has seen many other events cancelled.

London to Brighton cycle took place despite the death of the Queen (Image: NQ Staff)

In a statement, organisers for the event said that they sent their condolences to the Royal Family but had a "huge responsibility to both our charities who rely on the substantial amount of monies that are raised, and to you the participants who have trained so hard for this day and are doing it for your own personal reasons".

One such charity is The Alzheimer's Association, who Alistair Hudson was riding in support of. Alistair, who has dementia, said that he was "worried about losing track of peope" but that "it was very good and really well set up".

Alistair (Right) celebrated after finishing the race (Image: NQ Staff)

He added: "I can't think of anythinge else that could have made it better."

The London to Brighton cycle is the second such ride to take place this year and raises money for a number of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital and cancer charity Macmillan.