Spiteri wins as Komes wilts in scorching heat

For the first time in the seven-year history of the Triathlon Championships of the Small States of Europe (TCSSE), Malta finished on top of the podium in the women's race and the event for teams besides a creditable runner-up spot in the men's category.

Danica Spiteri fulfilled a dream that the triathlon fraternity was craving for. The best finish before for local women was that of Maria Mifsud Bonnici who was second five times.

Spiteri's win was somewhat unexpected because until the very last few minutes of the race, then leader Jackie Komes, of Luxembourg, looked set to reclaim the crown she had forfeited to compatriot Liz May last year.

However, the heat left its toll on Komes as she collapsed four kilometres from home. The medical staff from Saint James Hospital had to intervene. Komes was hospitalised but recovered from dehydration that same day.

In the men's team event, the Maltese had twice placed second in the past so it was another jubilant moment for the hosts when it was announced that the combined times of Mark Zammit, Michael Gellel and Dermot Galea were nine minutes better off than Monaco and 26 minutes faster than Liechtenstein.

Twenty-four athletes from five different nations - Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco and Malta - plunged into the placid and clear waters of Salina Bay with the women's race starting three minutes earlier.

Komes took the lead setting a spirited pace which saw her covering the two-lap 1,500m course in 20m.12s, over three minutes ahead of Spiteri. Kelea Quinn was third and Gaby Andres, also of Luxembourg, fourth.

Spiteri had a superb cycle, covering the 40km course in 1hr.11m.20s, 40 seconds quicker than Komes. Andres moved up one position to third while Alexandra Barbero, of Monaco, came into transition hard on Quinn's heels.

In the 10km run, Komes looked as fresh and light as ever but appearances are deceptive and when disaster struck in the straight for home, Spiteri, who was almost one minute behind, took the lead and went on to win in 2hrs.20m.23s.

This was the crowning moment in the career of this energetic triathlete, who has been in the sport for over 10 years and who only two years ago qualified as a Medical Doctor.

Andres was second (2hrs.30m.23s) while Barbero was third in 2hrs.35m.35s.

There was another runaway leader in the men's race - Zammit. He covered the swim in 18m.49s., one minute ahead of Monaco's Bruno Fiore and 1m.30s better than Luxembourg's Tom Carrier.

At the end of the cycle, Zammit was still leading the race though his advantage had been whittled down to just 45 seconds by Carrier.

Fiore retired and in the meantime a peleton of nine cyclists had formed behind the leading duo. In this group, which came into transition five minutes behind the leader, were Paul Lanat (Monaco) and three other local triathletes - Dermot Galea, Keith Galea and Nicky Farrugia.

In the run segment, it took Carrier one lap to overhaul Zammit. Carrier went on to win in 1hr.58m.46s. - 1m.50s. ahead of Zammit. Lanat was third in 2hrs.05m.07s but the fastest time in the run belonged to Gellel, second Maltese and fourth overall.

2005 Malta champion, Dermot Galea, clearly not having the race of his life, finished behind Gellel and seventh overall.

After the race, Carrier underwent a doping test in the presence of officials from the Anti-Doping Agency in Malta.

The International Triathlon Union was represented by Chief Technical Delegate Enrique Quesada. Also present was MOC president Lino Farrugia Sacco.

The main sponsors were Kee Klamp with other assistance coming from the authorities, Kristal Water, Powerade, Plum Tree Restaurant, Birkirkara SJ, Bugibba Holiday Complex and a host of volunteers and race marshals.