It was a relatively ‘short’ 130-kilometre ride for the 41 remaining lifecyclists today giving them time for a well-earned early rest in Baden-Baden.

Spokesman Louise Bugeja said that many were now suffering from joint and knee pains, as well as saddle sores. Two had to stop Wednesday. However, the team was in high spirits.

And although it was a short ride today, the cyclists had a number of tough hills to tackle.

The team this morning started its trip from Willingen in Germany, where it spent the night yesterday following a 190 kilometre ride.

The ride through Germany continues tomorrow and the team will enter Luxembourg on Sunday.

The cyclists this year include a number of foreigners who work in Malta as well as five from the UK who joined Lifecycle in Venice for the purpose. Only one of the two female cyclists remains in the challenge. There is a back-up team of 19 people.

The 2,020 kilometre 12-day ride, named The Devil’s Highway, will this year end at the Old Trafford Manchester United Football Ground.

This year’s 12th edition aims to attract 1,000 new people to register on the organ donor list and raise €200,000 to buy equipment for the renal unit, improve psychological support and buy a car to be used by unit staff to enable them to visit patients more regularly.

Founded in 1999, Lifecycle works to create awareness and raise funds and support for patients suffering from renal disease.

Donations can be made through the website www.lifecyclechallenge.com or by texting 5061 7370 to donate €2.33, 5061 8920 for €7 and 5061 9229 for €11.65. One can also phone 5004 9065 to give €10, 5004 9060 for €20 on 5004 9063 for €50.