Injured cyclist in Lifecycle challenge

But one cyclist had to stop nevertheless on medical advice because of an injury that would otherwise have exacerbated.

Monday was a very tough day for the cyclists, with another 250km covered, a relentless series of steep hills, and high temperatures. This means they have covered over 500km – a quarter of the challenge – in just the first two days.

Once again, the last cyclists arrived at the accommodation in Zilina in pitch darkness at around 10.30p.m., with two back-up cars escorting them for their safety along the way. In spite of their strains and fatigue, the cyclists were determined to get to the end of the day’s kilometers, and pedaled on, undaunted by flashing lightning across the mountains and showers.

On Tuesday, the day got off to another bad start when the lead car pulled over to put up one of the signs and got stuck in the soft mud on the side of the road, and had to be towed out – but until it was, the logistics had to be re-organised completely, with unscheduled roadside checkpoints, the kitchen car being re-routed to take over check-point duties, and cyclists having to rely solely on their GPS as they were ahead of the signing car.

There were only three checkpoints scheduled for Tuesday, making it considerably easier for the members of the back-up who had to prepare food and drinks early in the morning.

Although the challenge is not a race, the cyclists must complete the challenge within a certain time or face disqualification if they fall too far behind as this could have a negative impact on the rest of the team. This has put a lot of pressure on the stragglers of the first two days who will have to make up a considerable amount of time if they wish to complete the challenge.

The participants are scheduled to spend the night in Sintava in Slovakia.

The Betfair LifeCycle Challenge is raising important funds for the Renal Unit.