Updated
As the Betfair Lifecycle Challenge nears its end, the cyclists are in high spirits as they make their penultimate ride from Aleppo southwards to Homs, drawing ever nearer to their destination of Damascus. Apart from the 3 cyclists who dropped out early in the challenge, and who therefore don’t qualify to finish, almost every rider is well within their time targets. Although today’s ride does not feature really tough uphill gradients (the steepest being about 7%), it is long, and the weather is very hot, with temperatures likely to reach 40 degrees celsius. The cyclists are expected to reach tonight’s accommodation between 18:00 and 19:00.Update
Unfortunately, one more cyclist has had to drop out today. It’s obviously extremely frustrating for them, being so close to the end, but they have contracted severe gastroenteritis and (for the moment at least) cannot continue riding. It’s also saddening for the other cyclists, as this member of the team was a real motivator, but with only one day left, everyone is confident of reaching the challenge goal, the ancient city of Damascus.Summary: Day 10 – Mon 17 Aug 2009 – Aleppo to Homs – 218km