At 3 a.m. this morning, a group of cyclists set off to pedal 180 kilometres as part of their training for the Lifecycle challenge next month.

As the 2,000-kilometre ordeal approaches, the 23 cyclists’ training is intensifying to longer stretches, Tony Bugeja, a challenge organiser, said.

When they set off on August 12, they will be cycling for about 200 kilometres a day – for 10 consecutive days – as they make their way through seven countries, starting in the Czech Republic and ending in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The aim of the cyclists, and the 19-member back-up team, is to raise funds for Mater Dei Hospital’s renal unit. This year, apart from buying equipment, funds will also go to help individual patients with specific needs.

“The challenge is no holiday. The team work tirelessly throughout the day and in the evening we sleep on the floor.

“We make arrangements with gyms or chapels that let us sleep there,” Mr Bugeja said, stressing that the aim was to raise as much money as possible for the renal unit.

The cyclists yesterday paid a visit to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and opposition leader Joseph Muscat. The aim of the visits were to outline their cause and gain support.

Earlier this year, Lifecycle became a foundation – 13 years after it was set up by Alan Curry after his wife went into the renal unit having suffered kidney failure in the UK where they lived.

Over the past years, the cyclists have gone to over 25 countries – raising over €1 million.

SMS donations may be made on 5061 7370 (for €2.33), 5061 8920 (for €6.99) or 5061 9229 (for €11.65).

Landline donations may be made on 5160 2020 (for €10), 5170 2005 (for €15) or 5180 2006 (for €25).

www.lifecyclechallenge.com