Updated: Good start to Lifecycle challenge

The cyclists in the Lifecycle challenge were in high spirits this morning as they embarked on their 2,000 kilometre trip which will see them crossing from Istanbul in Turkey to Damascus in Syria.

Following the death in a hit and run accident of fellow challenger Cliff Micallef only a few days ago, their morale before the challenge started was low and it was only the thought that they were doing the challenge for Cliff that kept them going.

Logistics officer Gilbert Vassallo said the team embarked on their challenge from the Bosphorus Bridge leaving Istanbul in rainy conditions early this morning.

Malta’s consul in Istanbul Simon Pullicino was present to see them go and the police escort through Istanbul was on time giving a good start to the challenge.

The weather was hot but somewhat grey, offering the cyclists respite from the sun.

They cleared the first checkpoint 27.5 kilometres outside Istanbul towards Kandira at 8.45 a.m. They have only one more checkpoint to go through and will finish their work for today at 122 kilometres in Kandira. They will then take a much deserved rest until tomorrow.

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