After a three year pandemic pause RideLondon returned on Sunday with 25,000 cyclists, but a serious accident requiring a helicopter ambulance forced the ride to stop.

The incident occurred at mile 49 in Essex on the 100 mile closed-road course with six emergency vehicles responding, plus an air ambulance.

Multiple witnesses reported via social media seeing a male rider being given CPR. His identity and condition is still unknown.

Riders caught behind the accident were required to stop and wait over 30 minutes for rescue workers to evacuate the seriously injured rider.

RideLondon announced, “We can confirm that there has been an incident involving a rider requiring medical treatment at Mile 49 (near Stebbings Green). The ride was held for about 30 minutes.”

The amateur cycling event, the largest cycling in the world, is run on fully closed-roads, causing significant road closures and delays around Central London, East London and Essex, resulting in a very contentious relationship with drivers, residents and local businesses.

Photos: BBC Essex