Cyclists prepare for Life Cycle challenge

Thirty-three cyclists are preparing to take part in this year's Life Cycle challenge, which will see them cycle 1,500 kilometres to Assisi to raise funds for the Renal Unit of St Luke's Hospital.

A further seven people have dropped out since training started in May, organiser Alan Curry said.

"The majority of those underestimated the commitment required to take part in such an event. The training is very tough with a progressive 16 weeks in which the cyclists will reach peak condition," he said.

"As well as training to build up their physical stamina they are also recieving nutritional advice on how to eat before and during the event from a qualified nutritionalist, Rebecca Fenech.

"They will also have a group session on psychology to make sure they are mentally prepared for what is a pressure-cooker situation of having to live in such a large group over a nine-day period.

"Many have never slept under canvass before and past experiences have shown that this basic existence day after day can force persons to crack under the pressure."

Mr Curry, a qualified personal fitness consultant was impressed with what the amateur cyclists were willing to endure to raise funds for the Renal Unit

"Each year, we have pushed these people to the edge and the response has simply been wonderful," he said.

Regular meetings, fitness tests, fund-raising events and a visit to the Renal Unit to meet the patients that Life Cycle supports form part of the challenge.

Some of the volunteers had never cycled more than 20km before and initially found the thought of cycling up to 180km per day in the mountains of Italy impossible.

However, they are now entering the 11th week of a strict training regime, with just five more to go.

A 14-strong back-up team and a PBS film crew will accompany the cyclists when they leave Malta on September 13.

Further information may be obtained from the website.

www.lifecyclechallenge.com.