Lifecyclists today crossed over to Switzerland and will be having their hard earned rest at a refuge in Lugano.

The 43 cyclists embarked on their challenge with a 200-kilometre ride from Venice to Toscolano Maderno yesterday and are today cycling a slightly shorter but tougher route – 180 kilometres, crossing over to Switzerland.

Spokesman Louise Bugeja said the weather today was very hot and the route had steeper and longer gradients compared to yesterday’s when the route was relatively easy.

The last cyclists are expected to complete today’s route by 10 p.m.

The 43 cyclists this year include a number of foreigners who work in Malta as well as five from the UK who joined Lifecycle in Venice for the purpose. Only two of the cyclists are women. There is a back-up team of 19 people.

The 2,020 kilometre 12-day ride, named The Devil’s Highway, will this year end at the Old Trafford Manchester United Football Ground.

Before reaching Manchester, the team has to cycle through Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and France.

This year’s 12th edition aims to attract 1,000 new people to register on the organ donor list and raise €200,000 to buy equipment for the renal unit, improve psychological support and buy a car to be used by unit staff to enable them to visit patients more regularly.

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

Donations can be made through the website 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.