Training proves too tough from some Life Cyclists

The number of cyclists taking part in this year's Life Cycle challenge has gone down from 45 to 38 as the challengers enter their 10th week of training.

A spokesman for Life Cycle, which raises funds for kidney patients, said some had found the going too tough while others felt that they could not possibly honour the commitment considering the time needed to prepare for the challenge.

This year's challenge is a 1,850-kilometre ride from Budapest to Athens. The cyclists will face some of the toughest terrain in the Balkans as they cycle through Hungary, Serbia Montenegro, Albania and Greece, with at least three climbs of 20 kilometres and over at an altitude of 1,000 metres.

Alexandra Cremona, who, at 17, is the youngest cyclist this year said: "My social life has had to be modified since joining Life Cycle as the training takes up so much time. Hopefully, I will make it to the Acropolis and it will be all worth while."

All cyclists and the support team pay their flights and have to raise a minimum of Lm250 in sponsorships just to be able to participate. They also had to accumulate points by attending Sunday rides, meetings and visiting patients.

The Life Cycle support team will tomorrow be near the parish church of Mgarr, Malta, handing out donor applications and Life Cycle leaflets.

One can donate to Life Cycle via SMS on 5060 7351 for a Lm1 donation; 5061 8928 for a Lm3 donation or 5061 9208 for a Lm5 donation.

Donations are also be accepted on Life Cycle's website. People signing the site's guest book will receive information updates about Life Cycle.

www.lifecyclechallenge.com