LifeCycle Challenge ends at Old Trafford

After being escorted over the last 10 kilometres by members of Stockport Fire Brigade, the 2010 LifeCycle Challenge team yester­day rode proudly to Old Trafford stadium where they were greeted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Family members of the Maltese cyclists were also there to give a huge Maltese welcome, making it a noisy and emotional scene.

Sir Alex spent 15 to 20 minutes signing shirts and giving autographs. He expressed amazement at the cyclists covering such a great distance over such a short time.

LifeCycle chairman Alan Curry said it was one of the most glamorous finishes possible and, with many football fans in the team, it gave added inspiration to the cyclists to finish the feat.

He said the group as a whole was a credit to Malta for what it had done for people less fortunate than the team members.

Today, many of the team will attend the Manchester United vs West Ham match, thanks to sponsors Betfair and the Manchester United Supporters Club in Malta.

The challenge team is expected back home tomorrow afternoon on the Air Malta flight from Manchester.

The organisers have appealed for friends, family and supporters to welcome the team back at the airport.