LifeCyclists train in Mdina

With only two more weeks to go to the Travelex LifeCycle challenge from Norway to Finland, covering 2,018 kilometres, the cyclists taking part yesterday gathered in Bastion Square, Mdina for a four-hour outdoor cycling class which also served as a team-building experience as well as a fund-raising activity.

Cyclists who do not own a second bike now have to rely on gymnasia and classes for their training since the bikes to be used in the challenge were packed into a container headed for Norway last Thursday.

A total of 35 spin bikes were used - 20 from the St Aloysius College Sports Centre in Birkirkara and 15 from the gymnasium at the Westin Dragonara.

They were transported to the entrance of Mdina in an Armed Forces of Malta First Regiment truck and then carried to Bastion Square by the cyclists and their back-up team.

As yesterday's class was held in the Silent City, music could not be used to accompany the training, so the cyclists and the backup team also took the opportunity to integrate and get to know each other before the challenge starts.

The challenge is held annually to collect funds for the Renal Unit at St Luke's Hospital and raise awareness on transplants.

The LifeCycle team will start their 10-day challenge, dubbed Over and Above - Crossing the Arctic Circle, on July 30.

Donations to LifeCycle can be made at the LifeCycle accounts at Bank of Valletta or HSBC, or by SMS on 5061 7356 for a Lm1 donation, 5061 8921 for a Lm3 donation or 5061 9208 for a Lm5 donation. Donations can also be sent c/o Renal Unit, St Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia.