A CYCLIST has died during an annual bike ride between Manchester and Blackpool.
The man, in his 50s, collapsed just six miles from the finish of the 52 mile ride journey.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed that the rider had collapsed and come off his bike around 5.50am on Sunday morning.
Two rapid response units and an ambulance were sent to the scene of the incident, on the promenade in Lytham, close to King Edward Avenue.
He was taking to Blackpool's Victoria Hospital but died later in the day.
The riders were taking part in the race to raise money on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.
Those taking part began at night at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester, and were aiming to reach the North Pier, on the Blackpool Promenade.
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