UPDATE 2: At 2100hrs local time, some cyclists are still on the road with still 2 Checkpoints to go, that is 60km away from their destination in Jaen. (As a comparison, 60km is almost the road distance from Cirkewwa to Marsascala and back).

It is estimated that the last team of cyclists will arrive at the today’s final checkpoint late in the night. Since the cyclists have been waking up every day at 5am and cycling since 7am, the cyclists are obviously at their limits.

Today was characterized again by the extreme heat with unbearable temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Again the support team was busy supplying the cyclists with water and energy drinks.

One can only praise the backup team’s efforts who are trying with all their might to support and aid  the cyclists in whatever way they can, even though they are exhausted themselves. The kitchen staff are accomplishing  such an extraordinary job, managing to supply food to all teams despite their time of arrival and considering the total number of people they must cater for.

This part of the challenge is the toughest, especially the mental aspect endured by the cyclists who have  injuries. Having reached half way through the challenge is in itself a feat but they are aware that they must yet cover the same distance to reach Casablanca.

The public is encouraged to visit www.lifecyclechallenge.com guestbook and leave a supporting comment for the cyclists. These comments are read to the cyclists daily before sleeping.

UPDATE 1: Yet another day over the 200 mark with a gruelling 256km ride from Jaen to Albacete which can be characterized by a rather uphill and steep profile.  Yet again, there are important aspects to be handled throughout the trip with backup providing for accommodation, logistics and food.

To keep costs down , Life Cycle team make arrangements with local schools and councils to spend the night at  free accommodations which usually are local schools, gyms, town halls etc. Although free, this also means that usually the cyclists have to sleep on the floor in their sleeping bags. Obviously, after the long hours of cycling, this is adds to the toughness of the challenge for the whole team.

Having set off early at 7am, the cyclists are now pulling together well and morale remains high as today they hit the half way point.  Travelling like this through the south of Spain is bringing the group together as people help each other out to complete this epic challenge.

The suffering comes into its own, but it is all worthwhile if we are helping others…

Click here to view HSBC Life Cycle Challenge Photos (NEW photos received and uploaded)

Click here to check out the cyclist’s current position. This service is available thanks to DATATRAK.

The Green Dot shows the position of a Lifecycle support van on the route in the last 5minutes.

You can zoom in and out of the map.

Press Satellite Button to see satellite photos instead of map.

(Make sure you are using Internet Explorer)