A dedicated team of cyclists and crew will cover about 2,000 kilometres through seven countries in 11 days in aid of the Mater Dei Renal Unit.
The 2011 Betfair Life Cycle Challenge participants will cycle from Prague to Sarajevo, through Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, between August 12 and 26, aiming to raise funds for renal patients.
The trip is challenging but the preparation for this venture is just as intense. Now in its eighth week of training, the team has already seen six of its members drop out.
Founder Alan Curry said this was nothing out of the ordinary. Although last year only a couple of participants dropped out, there were times when even 25 per cent of the cyclists did so.
The current team of 24 cyclists and 12 supporting crew, including physiotherapists, cooks, drivers and the cameramen, is undergoing a 17-week preparation period. Cyclists who volunteer to take part in this challenge are assessed medically and psychologically.
The participants’ commitment is also tested, where the volunteers show their commitment to Life Cycle by providing 60 hours of support through visits to the renal unit and raising awareness on the media among others.
The team met Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg on Sunday and he has put the organisation in contact with diplomatic people and Maltese embassies in the places they will set up camp.
Mr Curry said the eight-day pre-visit trip by two members of the logistics team had secured the 12 accommodation places and police escort at Sarajevo and Prague.
Lija mayor Ian Castaldi Paris, participating for the first time in the challenge, had not expected the experience to be so rewarding. “When I embarked on this venture, I never expected it to be such a wonderful experience where you make new friends and learn about your life priorities,” he said.
“It’s very easy to give donations but it is not as easy to sacrifice three months of your life. As a local council member, I am used to contributing financially but I wanted to give more,” Dr Castaldi Paris added.
However, Dr Castaldi Paris did not own a bike and had been out of touch with cycling for years. “I was totally unfit,” he laughed, commending his coach, Mr Curry, for his dedication to the volunteers.
The cycling training sessions started on April 12 and will last until July 31. “It takes a lot of determination and will power. Although I have not given up anything to cycle, apart from junk food and 10 kilos in four weeks, I have become stricter with myself,” Dr Castaldi Paris added.
Last April, Life Cycle became a foundation after 13 years since its inception in 1999 and is now a legal entity with clear defined aims.
The organisation was set up by Mr Curry after his wife was admitted to the renal unit having suffered kidney failure. Mr Curry had organised a cycling trip to his home town Haydon Bridge, UK, to raise funds and awareness. He was accompanied by Tony Bugeja, then head nurse at the unit, who remains a supporter of the organisation.
Last year, the 2,020-kilometre, 12-day trip took the participants from Venice to Manchester, through Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, France and the UK.
Over the past years, the cyclists have gone to more than 25 countries and raised over €1 million.
A cheque payable to Life Cycle (Malta) Foundation can be sent to Life Cycle Malta, c/o Renal Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, MSD 2090. Donations can also be made online on www.lifecyclechallenge.com
Donation lines are open. SMS donations: 5061 7370 for a €2.33 donation, 5061 8920 for a €6.99 donation and 5061 9229 for a €11.65 donation. Landline donations: 5160 2020 for a €10 donation, 5170 2005 for a €15 donation and 5180 2006 or a €25 donation.
Lifecycle is also on Facebook (Life Cycle Challenge Malta), Flickr galleries (Life Cycle Challenge) and Twitter (Life CycleMalta).