The family of cyclist Clifford Micallef, who died last month in a hit-and-run accident while training for the Lifecycle challenge, went bravely to the airport yesterday in support of the other participants as they returned from their journey from Istanbul to Damascus in his memory.
Mr Micallef's wife, three sons and her mother distributed pictures of the keen cyclist, who should have been on the plane back. But they showed no signs of resentment; they were there to "keep that memory alive".
The eldest son, Max, 15, said he may join the Lifecycle team next year, when he would be old enough to do so. His comment was picked up by timesofmalta.com readers, who were encouraged to take on the challenge next year and expressed their pride in his "bold decision to carry on his father's dream".
"Since they (the Lifecycle team) did everything in the name of my father, who was so into cycling, it is only fair to give these cyclists back the respect they deserve.
"I came to support them so that they know there are people out there for them too," Max said.
The cyclists streamed out of Arrivals to be warmly greeted by family and friends yesterday morning, following a journey of 2,000 kilometres that started on August 6.
Edward Mercieca from Ma-għtab described his first experience on the team as "absolutely amazing", despite being a "rough ride".
"You don't know the country, especially Syria; the traffic is just outrageous and the roads are crazy. The culture is so different, you do not know what to expect."
But the team spirit was vital, with everyone looking out for each other, he said.
"I would probably do it again but I would rather not tell my wife about that now as she was very worried."
For Simon Camilleri from Sliema, one the eldest on the team at 45, it was an "experience of a lifetime"... which had left him somewhat "tired".
"The hardest part was riding for hours on end alone in a desert environment in high heat and humidity, particularly in Syria. Then, there's the fear of the unknown - you get mixed reactions from people on the road, who do not know exactly what is going on."
The challenge kicked off "under a cloud", with the news of the tragic death of the key team member on the Coast Road just days before, Lifecycle organisation chairman Alan Curry said on landing in Malta.
That cloud was still hanging over the cyclists and it has been quite emotional for them, but the trip itself was "fantastic", with one of the best ever teams, sticking together through thick and thin, Mr Curry said.
It started out with 18 members and ended with 12, five having had to drop out along the way for medical reasons and one not managing to stick to the allocated time. "We lost two in the last two days," Mr Curry said, but no one was hurt.
The hospitality in Turkey and Syria was "out of this world", he added.
Mr Curry has no idea how much money has been raised for Mater Dei Hospital's Renal Unit as yet, but was hoping to hit €100,000.
Donations can be made by calling 5004 9065 for €10; 5004 9060 for €20; or by sending a text message to 5061 9229 for €11.65.