RideLondon 2015: Cyclist dies while climbing highest hill in Surrey during sportive

The sportive was stopped at Leith Hill for about 45 minutes from noon and then a diversion was put in place so many of the cyclists did not go up it

A screen grab showing an air ambulance landing on Leith Hill to treat the cyclist (Image taken from NPAS Redhill Youtube channel)

A 55-year-old cyclist collapsed and died while climbing the highest hill in Surrey during the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 event on 2 August.

The participants were stopped at Leith Hill for about 45 minutes from noon and then a diversion was put in place so many of the cyclists did not go up it.

A spokeswoman for the event said: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the death of a participant in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 today.

“A 55-year-old man collapsed on the lower part of the ascent of Leith Hill and, although he received immediate medical attention and an air ambulance attended, the death was confirmed at the scene.

“Our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased and no further details will be released at this time. We would like to express our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Leith Hill is about 294 metres high, although the road does not go over the top. The average gradient is 6.5 per cent, but it reaches 12 per cent in places, according to the Sportive Cyclist blog.