The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has cancelled the London to Brighton Bike Ride (L2B) for 2021, due to risks associated with having to call it off at the last minute because of the pandemic.
The BHF is encouraging all would be L2B cyclists to support the charity in 2021 by taking on its virtual cycling challenge, MyCycle, or the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride.
Usually around 15,000 cyclists take part in the event which raises several million. In 2019, the last time the L2B happened, cyclists raised £2m for the BHF.
BHF has had to cut its funding for new research in half due to the impact of Covid-19 on its fundraising.
‘It’s heartbreaking to have to cancel’
Liam O’Reilly, head of the events at the BHF, said: “It’s heartbreaking to have to cancel our London to Brighton Bike Ride for a second year and we know that many people will be disappointed by the decision.”
O’Reilly said the reason for cancelling its flagship event is the uncertainty surrounding continued Covid-19 restrictions for large scale events coupled with a high financial risk of cancellation at short notice.
He added: “Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our research funding so it’s crucial we do everything possible to maintain our progress for the millions of people who need us. That’s why we’re urging people to take on a different event for the BHF this year like our virtual cycling event, MyCycle, or the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride.”
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