More than 5,400 cyclists arrived on the Brighton seafront today as the annual London to Brighton Cycle Ride saw participants from across the region complete the 55-mile journey from the capital.
A total of 5,426 finishers were recorded crossing the finish line at Madeira Drive on Sunday, 13 September 2026. The event, organised by Skyline Events as a multi-charity fundraiser, saw participants reach the coast. The first finisher, Frank Gardner, completed the course in a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes and 31 seconds.
Unlike the British Heart Foundation’s flagship ride held in June, this September event allows participants to raise funds for more than 100 different organisations. Among those represented was the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex Charity). The charity supports healthcare services across the county, including St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester and Southlands, which serve the Bognor Regis and wider West Sussex community.
Route and road impacts
The 55-mile route took cyclists through the heart of the Sussex countryside, including the challenging Category 3 climb at Ditchling Beacon before the final descent into Brighton.
Travel restrictions remain in place this evening for those travelling back towards West Sussex. Madeira Drive is scheduled to remain closed to all vehicle traffic until 10:00pm tonight.
Public transport has also been affected by the influx of visitors. Brighton & Hove Buses confirmed that disruptions to services on Lewes Road are expected to continue until approximately 6:30pm. Passengers are advised to check for local delays if they are heading toward Brighton or using connecting services to the west of the county.
Organisers have confirmed that the multi-charity ride will return in 2027, with registration expected to open later this year for those looking to secure a place in the next edition of the event.
