A sea of yellow greeted the members of the Lifecycle Challenge team as their nearest and dearest, all sporting identical bright T-shirts, gathered at the airport to give them a hearty welcome.

The team returned after completing a gruelling 1,900-kilometre bike ride from Brisbane to Melbourne over the past two weeks.

They managed to raise about €130,000, which will fund life-saving equipment to help patients suffering from renal failure.

Steep hills, harsh terrain, high and low temperatures and heavy rain and hail made Australia’s Lifecycle Challenge one of the toughest yet.

According to founder Alan Curry, 10 cyclists out of 33 had pulled out by the first three days. A further two had to withdraw from the challenge after being injured.

Prior to embarking on the challenge, the team had to fulfil a number of requirements, including raising €3,000 individually and undergoing strenuous physical and mental training.

The oldest cyclist was 60-year-old William Saliba, who completed the entire challenge.

Mr Saliba has been taking part for the past six years and decided to undertake this year’s challenge even after donating a kidney in 2011.

“The teamwork was excellent. It can be very exhausting at times. You have to use your mind more than you use your legs. Despite the gravelly terrain and unfavourable weather conditions, it was a great experience.

“My only disappointment is we didn’t manage to see any live kangaroos as they’re very shy creatures.”

This year’s destination has been the furthest they’ve strayed from home. The organisation is now setting its sights on South Africa and China.

Does Mr Saliba plan to compete in next year’s challenge?

“A definite yes.”