They cycled the gear several times?????????
We are told never to cycle the gear, it may cause more problems.
On a 777 if you get a gear disagree message you just go straight to the altn gear extension. Boeing do not encourage cycling of the gear.
To quote the Boeing FCTM:
GEAR DISAGREE
Land on all available gear.
The landing gear absorbs the initial shock and delays touchdown of aircraft body
parts.
Recycling the landing gear in an attempt to extend the remaining gear is not
recommended. A gear up or partial gear landing is preferable to running out of fuel
while attempting to solve a gear problem.