Tough ride tests Lifecyclists' endurance

Riding in temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius for 240 kilometres is no mean feat but the Lifecycle team endured the harsh punishment in aid of charity yesterday.

The riders left Safranbolu in Turkey and arrived at the small university town of Cubuk after a 12-hour cycle which took all their mental and physical strength to get through.

Two riders are out of the challenge, one of which had already suffered injuries prior to the start and the other who had to stop because of exhaustion towards the end of the second day.

The trip to Cubuk, which sits in the centre of Turkey, came on the fourth day in their journey, after two particularly tough days due to the gradients encountered.

The eleventh annual Lifecycle challenge is raising funds to help the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital and renal patients, with a ride of more than 2,000 kilometres from Istanbul to Damascus in Syria.

Gilbert Vasallo from the organisation's logistics office, said that the long distances will put many of the cyclists to the test because of the different types of physical and psychological challenges.

Mr Vassallo said the police have had a comforting presence on the road and escorted the cyclists out of the larger towns.