The Betfair Lifecycle Challenge encountered its first obstacle before the cyclists even set off from Malta, when the truck carrying the back-up equipment got stuck on the Czech border for over a day.

The cyclists were facing the prospect of sleeping on the hard floor of the school gym, which was to serve as their accommodation – since the participants had sent their mattresses and sleeping bags with the truck – and a delay to the start as the truck contained the all-important bikes.

But the paperwork was eventually cleared and the truck arrived late on Friday night, delivering not only bikes and sleeping bags, but also the mobile kitchen and donated foodstuffs and medical supplies.

Family and friends turned out in force at Malta International Airport on Friday to send off the 39 cyclists taking part in this year’s challenge. They will cycle 2,000 km in less than two weeks to raise money for the Renal Unit.

The cyclists spent Saturday assembling their bikes in preparation for the start at 7 a.m. this morning, from one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, the 600-year-old Clock Tower of the Old Town Hall.

Donations may be made by SMS or from a landline. For more information visit www.lifecyclechallenge.com, while photos and updates are also being posted on a dedicated Facebook page.