10 down in HSBC LifeCycle challenge

The morale of the remaining 25 cyclists in this year’s HSBC LifeCycle Challenge remains high, despite 10 cyclists having had to drop out, a spokesman for the challenge said today.

A cyclist gave up this morning, another five yesterday and four earlier on.

Spokesman Karen Zammit told timesofmalta.com that the cyclist who stopped this morning did so because of physical and psychological tiredness.

Six of the other cyclists suffered knee injuries, one had a severe migraine, another had to stop because of fear of cycling at night and one because of open sores.

The team is today cycling 176 kilometres from Jaèn to Antquera. Although it is a shorter route than yesterday’s 256 kilometres, it’s still a tough ride since the terrain is hilly.

The team will tomorrow be joined by HSBC staff members who will cycle with the challengers the last leg of some 500 kilometres to the finish line in Casablanca, Morocco.

The HSBC team are expected to start cycling on Saturday.

The challenge is raising funds for the Renal Unit of 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