Achilles stops Life Cycle challenger in his tracks

It was the toughest day so far for Life Cycle challengers yesterday in their 1,850 kilometres journey from Budapest to Athens, which they started on Monday.

The cyclists had to cover 185 kilometres yesterday from Cacak in Serbia to Belio Polje in Montenegro, although they enjoyed some beautiful mountainous scenery en route.

Mark Leonard Grech could not start yesterday's leg due to an attack of Achilles tendonitis. He joined David Serge who was injured last Monday and the two are now assisting the back-up team. This means the team of cyclists are now down to 35 from the original 37.

Life Cycle public relations officer Jonathan Barbara said the trek yesterday was tough, with cyclists having to cover two hills, one of 30 kilometres, the other of 20.

The 30-kilometre hill was off-road and a storm broke out while the cyclists were climbing it. The Life Cycle team arrived in Hungary on Sunday and started their challenge on Monday. They plan to return to Malta on September 9.

The Life Cycle Challenge was founded in 1999 with the aim of creating awareness and generating support for patients suffering from end stage renal failure (chronic kidney disease).

It collects, circulates and publishes information promoting quality care for renal patients. It organises activities and collects funds in aid of the Renal Unit at St Luke's Hospital and organises awareness campaigns about the needs of renal patients. It also promotes organ donations.

Donations to Life Cycle may be made online, by cheque to Life Cycle Organisation c/o Renal Unit, at Lifecycle's bank accounts at HSBC and Bank of Valletta, or by sending a blank SMS on 5061 7351 (Lm1), 5061 8928 (Lm3) or 5061 9208 (Lm5).

www.lifecyclechallenge.com