Time trial heralds new 2005 calendar

While most cyclists do not stop training throughout the year, others look anxiously at the programme of activities organised locally to complete their diary.

The actual calendar for 2005 was unveiled by the Malta Cycling Federation way back in October during an annual general meeting. The first race was the traditional Qormi-Dingli individual time trial last week.

This event used to finish at Rabat before but the Dingli Local Council was successful in persuading the federation to extend it to their precincts for a distance of 12kms. It has been like this for the last few years now.

In the U-15, the winner was Sheldon Galea (Pamsons) with a time of 29:08. Following him were Luke and James Dimech, both of Mosta CC.

There were five riders registered in the women's time trial. However, only four actually started the race.

Michelle Wood was first in 27:53. Graziella Muscat and M.C. Aquilina were second and third respectively. Emanuel Bezzina won the Masters time-trial, clocking 24:28. He finished ahead of Lino Fabri and Mark Bugeja.

In the juniors time trial (16-18 years) three Mosta riders filled the podium positions. These were Keith Galea (first in 21.26), Adrian Sciberras and Luke Bonnici.

The Elite class attracted 17 starters. Roderick Muscat (Mosta) has just graduated to this class. He won the race in 19:29 to finish ahead of Etienne Bonello (-1.23) and David Galea David (-1.74).

The next race will be held on the Mosta-Naxxar bypass on Feb. 13.