Fourth cyclist drops out of challenge

A fourth cyclist dropped out of the HSBC LifeCycle challenge today, because of knee injury.

The cyclist called it a day this morning shortly after the group embarked on today’s 210 kilometre route which is taking the 70-strong team from Teruel to Albacete in Spain.

Another two cyclists dropped out because of knee injuries yesterday while another had to stop because of severe migraine on Sunday.

Spokesman Karen Zammit said the 31 remaining cyclists were having to deal with temperatures of between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius, but a slight breeze was mitigating the effects of the sun as the team entered the Sierra Nevada.

Yesterday, the cyclists, accompanied by a 35-strong back-up team, cycled 146 kilometres from Alcaniz to Teruel, a relatively short route that was made tougher by a strong wind and hilly terrain.

Tomorrow the challenge will see the team cycling 256 kilometres from Albacete to Jaèn.

The challenge, from Lourdes to Casablanca, is being made in aid of the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital.

SMS donations can be made on: 5061 7378 for €2.33 (Lm1), 5061 8927 for €6.99 (Lm3), 5061 9219 for €11.65 (Lm5).

One can also donate money by sending a cheque or postal order to Life Cycle Organisation, c/o Renal Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. Direct transfers may be made to HSBC account 061198792050, or Bank of Valletta account 14814521017.

www.lifecyclechallenge.com