Lifecyclists in 'better organised' Poland

LifeCycle Challenge Cyclists had to give up yesterday's planned visit to Auschwitz in Poland because of the delays at the Polish border on Wednesday.

This was the latest in a series of glitches that this year's HSBC LifeCycle Challenge has had to face.

The challenge is seeing a team of cyclists and their back-up team travelling 2,300 kilometres from Romania to Germany crossing through Ukraine and Poland, to raise funds for the St Luke's Hospital renal unit.

Spokesman Louise Bugeja said yesterday the team had a relatively easy day cycling just 125 kilometres, 15 more than planned and they reached Tarnòw by 2 p.m.

The cyclists, who now number 23 after two withdrew due to injury, started yesterday's trip from Stara Wiez instead of Nowy Sacz.

The plan yesterday was to cycle to Krakow - where the late Pope John Paul II was bishop and cardinal - but the team decided to stop at Tarnòw and drive to Krakow, giving them time to rest and see the city.

Ms Bugeja said that on Wednesday, the kitchen truck had to be repaired by back-up team member Audrick Plum using a kitchen burner and paste for a radiator leak.

The truck could not be repaired at a garage because it was a public holiday.

She said that another light support vehicle was given diesel instead of petrol and had mechanical problems. But this problem was also solved after crossing the Ukraine to Poland border, which lasted about four hours.

These vehicle problems came after the team had one of its support vehicles impounded by the police last week and its driver held for questioning.

Ms Bugeja said that once on Polish land, the cultural difference was immediately evident as the team passed through picturesque villages and towns amidst beautiful scenery. Infrastructure became more organised with excellent roads and clear signage.

As the team finished at Stara Wiez, instead of Nowy Sacz, accommodation had not been planned beforehand but this was provided at the public primary school - Zespoe Sekoe W Starej WSI.

The headmaster, Stanislaw Chrobak, offered the team use of his office and the school's new gym as sleeping quarters. Moreover, a free meal was provided by the nuns of The Little Servants of the Immaculate Conception who also made their chapel available for Mass.

Today, the team is expected to cycle 195 kilometres from Krakow to Zywiec.

Donations can be made in the LifeCycle accounts at HSBC 0611 987 920 50 or at Bank of Valletta 148 1452 1017, or by sending an SMS to 5061 7356 for a Lm1 donation, 5061 8921 for Lm3 or 5061 9218 for Lm5.

Donations to the LifeCycle Organisation can also be sent c/o Renal Unit, St Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia.

www.lifecyclechallenge.com