Tour ta' Malta back on track with shortened schedule

The Tour ta' Malta will make a reappearance on the local sporting calendar next month when the Malta Cycling Federation holds the 14th edition of this international race between April 12 and 15.

After the organisers were forced to cancel last year's race, the local cycling body is confident that the 2007 Tour will go a long way towards boosting the image of the event.

A total of 15 teams have already confirmed their participation in this year's Tour and John Zammit, president of the organising committee, is hopeful that around 100 cyclists will be on the start line for the first stage on April 12.

"There has been a significant interest from foreign teams for this year's Tour ta' Malta," Zammit said at the event's launching at the Marina Hotel, Sliema yesterday.

"So far, 12 overseas clubs have confirmed their participation. This is great news as it confirms the Tour's growing popularity over the years.

"Besides, three prominent Maltese clubs - Team Greens, Mosta and Qormi - will also be taking part. We are expecting around 20 local riders to register."

Traditionally, the Tour ta' Malta consists of four stages in both men and women categories - three road races and a time-trial.

However, due to ongoing works on some arterial roads in the northern part of the island, the fourth and final stage, that usually took the riders from Sliema to Ghadira and back, had to be scrapped.

"Unfortunately, this year we were forced to cancel the final stage," Zammit said.

"Therefore, the Tour's last competitive stage will be on Saturday, April 14. However, on Sunday, we are planning to organise a one-hour bike ride for all cycling enthusiasts on the islands. The fun ride will finish at the Sliema Ferries where the presentation ceremony will be held afterwards."

For his part, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech reaffirmed the government's support for events that help to attract foreign athletes to our country.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that each year, around 80,000 foreigners visit Malta through sports tourism, adding that the successful staging of events such as the Tour ta' Malta will further enhance Malta's reputation as a popular destination for sports lovers.

Programme

Thursday, April 12: 32km Individual time-trial at Salina Coast Road. Start: 10 a.m.

Friday, April 13: 100km (men)/70km (women) road race at San Martin circuit. Start: 9.45 a.m.

Saturday, April 14: 85km road race at Ta' Pinellu circuit, Mellieha. Start: 10 a.m.

Sunday, April 15: One-hour bike ride at 10.45 a.m. Presentation ceremony at 12.30 p.m.