Lifecycle Challengers yesterday packed the airport to begin their 30-hour passage to Australia for the 14th edition of the annual charity road trip that will see them ride from Brisbane to Melbourne.

Covering an incredible 1,900 kilometres in 10 days, 33 cyclists are looking to raise enough funds to supply equipment to the renal department, adding to the already long list of items they have managed to buy through their sponsorship over the years.

Speaking at the departures lounge, Lifecycle founder Alan Curry said that so far, €185,000 had been raised, adding to the more than €1 million collected since the first edition.

Earlier this year, when training started, 46 cyclists were hoping to take part but due to injuries and other commitments that number has dropped to 33. It was a challenge in itself to plan the logistics of the team, as Australia has strict border patrol.

The team has even been advised to clean the bottoms of their cycling shoes, Mr Curry said.

Looking back on past events he said that the more exotic the cycling location, the more money was raised, adding the team had already started looking at where to go next year.

Gaming company Betfair, the main sponsor of the challenge, yesterday presented the team with a cheque for €25,000.

Cyclist bounces back

Rider Malcolm Bondin started training in January and even though he broke his collar bone he managed to recover and push himself through the training regime, making the grade for participation.

Mr Bondin hit a pothole on January 4 on his way to Golden Bay and fell off his bike. He was operated upon on his birthday two days later, needing six pins and a carbon fibre plate to help his recovery.

He said it had been tough to bounce back but he had managed to do it and was now looking forward to the adventure.

The Lifecycle Challengers at the airport yesterday. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli