Although cyclists described themselves as “very positive and with high spirits” while cycling towards the halfway point of their challenge on Wednesday, matters took a different turn for five cyclists that had to withdraw by the evening.
More cyclists retired yesterday thus, the number of cyclicts on the challenge had fallen by 11, leaving a group of 25 still in the challenge until the time of going to print yesterday. Cyclists had retired due to a number of muscle and knee injuries during what the group described as “the toughest day since the beginning of the challenge.”
The day for the injured group only came to an end at around 2am in the morning while other cyclists had arrived to their destination earlier on during the evening.
Although most of them carried torches, these were not sufficient and a backup vehicle followed them closely to provide as much light as possible with its headlamps.
These efforts proved to be useless for five cyclists as they were picked up one by one by the backup vehicles at various points along the road.
The cyclists’ injuries varied from severe saddle-sores due to the long hours of cycling, knee and muscle injuries as well as exhaustion. Meanwhile, an important challenge rule states that individual cyclists must reach an average of 20 kilometres per hour, otherwise they get disqualified and may even be stopped from cycling if they affect overall logistics, a Life Cycle spokesperson told this newspaper yesterday.
The challenge was still on for the remaining cyclists on the challenge who faced yet another tough day yesterday. Uphills, high temperatures and picturesque views characterised the trip while the group continued to cycle in the Sierra Nevada mountainous district in Spain. During their 170 kilometre journey, they were looking forward to the point that once they are out of the mountain range, they no longer have to deal with the demanding steep gradients, and therefore make better time.
Once again, the public is encouraged to donate in support of the noble cause of life cycle. Donations can be sent via SMS to the following numbers: 5061 7378 for e2.33, 5061 8927 for e6.99 and 5061 9219 for e11.65.
Monetary donations may be sent through cheques or postal order to Life Cycle Organisation, c/o Renal Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. Direct transfers may be made to HSBC (Malta) Account 061 198 792 050, or Bank of Valletta Account 148 14 52 1017. Donations may also be carried out online by visiting: http://www.lifecyclechallenge.com.