Fighting saddle sores and stiff knees, the Betfair Lifecycle Challengers rode into Baden-Baden in Germany yesterday after a 130km ride, another leg on their 12-day journey from Venice to Manchester.

Although it was a short ride, the cyclists had a number of tough hills to tackle, spokesman Louise Bugeja said.

Permission to cycle through the Black Forest was granted two months ago from the German security authorities through the Maltese Embassy in Berlin, and no incidents occurred yesterday.

The kitchen staff had to make very quick progress today due to the short distance, as they have to prepare a good warm meal for the cyclists in time for their arrival, apart from preparing food, snacks and packed lunches for today. Not an easy task to feed 72 persons everyday with basic and mobile cooking utilities.

Today, the cyclists head 190km due north to the town of Turkismuhle in the region of Nohfeldon where they will be welcomed 10km away from their accommodation by the local cycling club.

The mayor of Nohfeldon will also welcome the first cyclists to arrive where a local press release (for the Nohfeldon region) filming and interviews will take place.

Two cyclists dropped out on Wednesday because of knee injuries.

The 2,020 kilometre charity ride, dubbed The Devil’s Highway, will end at the Old Trafford Manchester United Football Ground.

This year’s fund-raising aims to attract 1,000 new people to register on the organ donor list and raise €200,000 to buy equipment for the hospital’s renal unit, improve psychological support and buy a car to allow medical staff to visit patients more regularly.

Founded in 1999, Lifecycle works to create awareness, raise funds and improve support for patients suffering from renal disease.

Donations can be made through www.lifecyclechallenge.com or by texting 5061 7370 to donate €2.33, 5061 8920 for €7 and 5061 9229 for €11.65. One can also phone 5004 9065 to give €10, 5004 9060 for €20 on 5004 9063 for €50.