Unfortunate day for female cyclists

Two female cyclists taking part in the Travelex LifeCycle Challenge abandoned the marathon yesterday after sustaining injuries.

Graziella Santillo had to stop before the first checkpoint because of extreme pain in her knee. Shortly afterwards, Nadine Grech collided with another cyclist, fell off the bike and sustained a shoulder injury, leaving her with sutures to her face, spokesman Louise Bugeja told The Times.

Ms Grech was given first aid on the spot by members of the medical team while waiting for the ambulance, which took her to a hospital in Trondheim, the destination for the day.

With another cyclist dropping out following an ankle injury on Wednesday, the number of cyclists who continue the challenge now totals 55.

The ride from Dombas to Trondheim, both in Norway, yesterday covered 198 kilometres. The trek included two steep climbs of four and five kilometres, four short tunnel rides and a ride on the highway for which the cyclists had to group and wait for a police escort.

Fortunately, the weather was good to the cyclists with a light breeze and shining sun throughout the day.

The cyclists will today ride 202 kilometres to Grong, in Norway.

Donations to Travelex LifeCycle can be made online at ww.lifecyclechallenge.com, by SMS on 5061 7356 for a Lm1 donation, 5061 8921 for a Lm3 donation and 5061 9208 for a Lm5 donation, by cheque to LifeCycle Organisation, c/o Renal Unit, St Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia, or through HSBC (Malta) account 061198792050 or Bank of Valletta account 1481421017.