Maria's passion for cycling started with the bike her father bought her at the age of 10. In a very short time, he learns to ride the bike that he has always dreamed of. Mari's adventure of 9 countries on the pedal begins at this age. His life begins in the country where he lives, to travel country by country with his bicycle and to participate in the competitions to be organized. Maria had just started High School. The PE teacher announced to all the classes that she would make an elimination at the school to compete in a tournament held that year. The course chosen by the teacher was challenging. Maria was excited to participate in a tournament for the first time in her life, but she did not want to leave her best friend behind. His friend was slower and weaker than him.-Hey Maria! “You have to be faster, don't wait for me,” said his friend.-Not without you. We will finish the race together. “Come on, show some effort for me,” Maria said.Maria, who entered the finish line with her friend, took 1st place in the competition. Maria was incredibly excited about the competitions and the countries she was going to.

  Maria has already started to train. Everyday, she cycles regularly, does exercise and tries to have a healthy diet.

    The  following week, her teacher called Maria and told the good news that she expected. Competition will be held in Athens, Greece.

     When that day has come, maybe the most difficult thing is that Maria will separate from her family for a while.

-"Don't be sad, Maria. As your family, we will be always proud of your successes." said her mother and she took out a silver necklace  from her pocket.

-"What a nice necklace it is." surprised Maria and just looked at it.

-"Get it, Maria. This necklace will remind us to you and motivate you."told her mother.

     Maria stayed in tears and after a long journey, when she arrived Athens, the weather was so dark and  misty. Regardless of this gloomy weather, the necklace on her neck was blinking and shining.

Keyword: Hope

Maria clutched her necklace tightly and turned her face to the gray sky. She suddenly felt the warmth of the sun behind the clouds. This feeling was a beacon of hope, the light of her dreams.

Maria wanted to go to bed early to rest and be strong for the next day's race. As soon as he closed her eyes, she fell asleep hopefully.

And the next morning the sun lit up Maria's room with all its might. Her teacher knocked on Maria's door and called out: “Come on Maria, today is a great day to do good!”

Maria got up excitedly from her bed;

-“Yes” she said; "Today is a nice day"

Maria had arrived on the racetrack with her heart beating in the palm of her hand. She clenched her palms, her hand going to her necklace whenever she got excited.

Now there are only minutes left to make hers dreams come true. And all the competitors took their places on the starting line with their bikes.

Maria took one last look at her necklace, kissed it, and slowly placed it inside her tshirt. It was ready now; Her mother and father would watch her on her chest, hearing only the sound of her heart.

An exciting race started for the contestants whose ears were on the starter sound. Maria was one step closer to her dreams every time she pedaled.

The spinning wheels of colorful bicycles will be hope for children with leukemia in this race.

Race tickets are on sale for the benefit of children with leukemia. The closer she got to the finish line, the more noticeable the smile on Maria's face. Maria finished the race 1st.

Tears filled his coach's eyes as he watched Maria take the podium to claim the first place medal. For Maria, the cloudy, misty weather of Athens turned into spring.

    At the end of the race, they got ready and went to their hotel. Taking a taxi with her coach to return, Maria put her hand on her necklace to feel the love of her family, but the necklace was not on her neck.

Maria's joy didn’t last long. She was unable to preserve the necklace which was her family heirloom. In an instant, her self-confidence was shattered. She went to the hotel with mixed thoughts and unbearable sadness inside her.

She should have focused on the new races ahead. She qualified for the Olympics and had to work hard to be successful.

Four athletes had made it to the quarterfinals. She was staying in the same hotel with them, working on the same track..As she saw their speed, her belief that she would make it to the final was diminishing. She had no necklace.She lacked everything that would bring him luck. Still, se got up early every day and continued to work until she was exhausted.

The day of the competition has come. Maria turned the the pedals, suppressing her sadness. They were in a fierce battle their rival Elini. As thet approached the fnish line a light  caught her eye. When she turned her head she saw that Eleni had fallen off her bike and was injured. What should she do now? Should she finish the race and make it to the final or should she help Eleni?