Cyclists ride the last 100 km 'home' today

The 49 remaining cyclists in this year's Travelex LifeCycle Challenge prodded on with determination yesterday dreaming of the finish line they are expected to reach today.

The challenge, which started with 58 cyclists from Honefoss, in Norway, on August 1, reached Pello, in Finland, yesterday evening after cyclists worked through 248 kilometres from Kiruna, in Sweden.

Spokesman Louise Bugeja said that although the trek yesterday was rather long, the day was bright and clear and the cycling was in flat country. This gave the cyclists an opportunity to cycle at their own pace and relieve their aching muscles. Most, however, complained that the scenery was bland and boring saying they preferred mountainous Norway. The team will be cycling their final 100 kilometres from Pello to Rovaniemi - the village of Sta Claus - this afternoon when they are also expected to become children once more and meet the old man himself.

They will pack before their evening meal in preparation for their flight tomorrow evening, returning to Malta early on Saturday.

A team of seven will be staying behind to drive the support vehicles back to Oslo, in Norway.

Donations to Travelex LifeCycle can be made online at www.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 in HSBC (Malta) account 061198792050 or Bank of Valletta account 1481421017.