This year’s RideLondon cycling event, which has raised tens of millions of pounds for charities in previous years, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have said.
The annual cycling event, which involves tens of thousands of people riding a variety of courses over the same weekend, has raised more than £80m for good causes since 2013.
London Marathon Events said the current circumstances meant it was impossible to stage the event, which was due to take place at the end of May.
The complicated logistics in areas such as the multitude of road closures that the event requires meant the best way forward was to cancel this year’s version with a view to it coming back in 2022, organisers said.
A virtual version of RideLondon is set to be put on this summer, in which participants can ride their own course.
Last year’s event was also cancelled because of the pandemic, but a virtual version raised more than £3m for charities.
Hugh Brasher, event director of RideLondon, said: “We know it is very disappointing news that the events planned for May cannot take place, especially for charities.
“However, I am sure everyone understands why this decision has been made and we look forward to welcoming participants and the professional peloton to ride the streets of London in 2022.
“We are currently working with the Mayor’s office to deliver a virtual event in the summer designed to inspire as many people as possible to cycle more often, and also to engage some of the hundreds of thousands of new or lapsed cyclists to raise money for the many charities whose income has been so affected by Covid-19.”