Click here to learn how you can support the 2010 Betfair LifeCycle Challenge, as the team cycles over 2000km from Venice to Manchester in 12 days.
Switzerland and the Alps
Over the last two days the 2010 Betfair LifeCycle Challenge has completed its journey through the Italian lake region and crossed into Switzerland. After overnighting near Lugano after a hilly day’s riding yesterday, today was a big day in more ways than one.
This morning, the team left Lugano and continued their journey into the Alps, gaining altitude almost constantly, until arriving at Airolo, the southern portal of the Gotthard road tunnel under the central Alps. However, riding through the tunnel was not on the agenda. Firstly bicycles are not allowed, and secondly it would be far too easy!
So, the challenge route took the cyclists up the old cobbled mountain road to the summit of the Gotthard Pass at 2,106 metres above sea level. And to add a little spice, this monstrous hill climb was set up as a time trial and was named in honour of the late Cliff Micallef.
The time trial was won by the unstoppable Marcel Saliba, and after a rather faster ride down the northern side, the team are now earning a well-earned overnight rest in Altdorf near Lake Lucerne.
The first three days of the challenge have been tough, and sadly, though perhaps not surprisingly, two riders have had to drop out. They will continue to travel with the challenge, assisting with backup team duties and riding as and when they are able to.