A second cyclist taking part in the Actavis LifeCycle 2013 Challenge has succumbed to knee injuries and will have to drop out of the event. Although the extreme nature of the event makes these casualties inevitable, it is a bitter disappointment for not only the cyclist but also for the rest of the team, who have bonded over the past 18 weeks of training and become an extended family.

Most of the cyclists are slowly but surely getting covered in bandages and strapping tape as the tough pace takes its toll on their legs, arms and torso.

Friday was one of the days when you really appreciate what LifeCycle is all about. The route wound up the Baltic coast from Klaipeda in Lithuania to Ventspils in Latvia, going through beautiful forested area with numerous picturesque villages to break up the monotony. But there was a strong headwind to hamper the cyclists and slow them down, a nightmare on one of the longest days – 220km over 12 hours. After a night in the relative comfort of a university dormitory, they set off again bright and early heading for the capital of Latvia, Riga, a World Heritage Site, which they will have little opportunity to enjoy after a 186km ride.

In the meantime, the kitchen team was facing its own problems: Buying a gas cylinder for the portable kitchen that they need to set up at each accommodation. These are simply not available in countries which are supplied with mains gas, forcing the head of the team to resort to dishes like couscous and salads. When she found a cylinder, the next problem was to get currency with which to buy it – they have already been through four different ones since Sunday! – and then to find a regulator that matched the equipment.

“It was a nightmare! It took us almost two hours just to get a gas cylinder but at least now we are sorted out. Until the next problem arises!” she said, already hoarse with fatigue after just five days.