Day 10 – Zywiec to Nysa

At 5.30am, the Gimnazjum Nr 2 in Zywiec was already bustling with activity as the HSBC Lifecycle Challenge entered its tenth day. The system of preparation for the cyclists and support team has now become routine, with breakfast starting at 6am and finishing at 7am. The next hour is spent in last minute details on their bike, clothing and medical needs for those who need it. By now, the group is getting tired and most are under the watchful eyes of the medical team whose workload has increased considerably as the event has progressed. “Most of the time, all they need is psychological assurance and some encouraging words” said Doctor Stephanie Dalli, who had herself done the challenge in 2005. Although tired, the team is very enthusiastically looking ahead, at the final great moment next Tuesday, at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, drawing the HSBC Challenge to its close. Today’s route headed the team away from the Tatra Mountains, and various ski resorts, to flatter although more undulating terrain. Although kinder than yesterday’s hard climbs, the long distance of 230km was still going to make it a long and hard day, while a few cyclists might be concerned of making the time frame of this Ultra Challenge. The day dawned bright and clear auguring a beautiful day, a stark contrast to yesterday’s cold and rainy weather. Passing through the various villages, the preparation for the cold winter months was evident, as fire logs were being stored in barns, stacked to the full. All the 23 cyclists had clocked in by 9pm, at the Primary School in Biala Nyska, on the outskirts of Nysa. The team was once again delighted to receive more Polish hospitality, as the advance vehicle was met by Mr. Jozef Adamon, Director of the Education Department and Ms. Malgorzata Przyslak, generously informing them of a free meal, courtesy of the Mayor of Nysa, Ms Jolanta Barska.