The Lifecycle team left Malta this morning on an Airmalta flight to Istanbul.

In Istanbul, the team will be met by other Lifecycle members who left Malta earlier this week to clear and unload the container with equipment and provisions to sustain the whole group throughout this year's Betfair Lifecycle Challenge in aid of the Renal Patients and Transplant Support Group.

The challenge which will see the cyclists cycling 2,000 kilometres from Istanbul in Turkey to Damascus in Syria, starts on Saturday.

The team lost one of its members to a hit and run accident last Thursday. Yesterday, the team and the late cyclist's family visited Archbishop Paul Cremona and Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Clyde Puli.

Event chairman and coordinator Alan Curry said this had been an extremely emotional week for the organisation and the sport of cycling because of Cliff's loss.

"I would be lying if I said it has not had an effect on morale because it has and for the sake of others in need we must do this event. We don't expect it to be easy and as always I am sure it will prove to unite us in our goal. This will be as tough as it comes but I really feel the team have an extra special focus this year".

Donations can be made on tel. 5004 9065 - €10, 5004 9060 - €20 and by SMS on 5061 9229 - €11.65. Cheques can be posted to Lifecycle Organisation, c/o Renal Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara Bypass, B'Kara.