The seventh Birkirkara St Joseph Triathlon Series got underway last Sunday at Birzebbuga with a 750m swim, a 20km cycle and a five-kilometre run.

National team triathletes Keith Galea and Danica Spiteri registered their first victories in the series.

It was only in the run that Galea made sure of first place on the tough Birzebbuga route. His team-mate, Luke Bonnici, produced a valid challenge up to the third segment until Galea began to widen the gap.

Then, Brian Magri, who worked his way up from eighth place at the end of the swim to third at the beginning of the run, got past Bonnici and set his sights on the leader.

Despite Magri's 16:30 run, he could not catch up with the leader who finished the race in 1:02.56 overall. Magri clocked 1:04.11, while Bonnici was third in 1:05.02.

There were six participants in the women's sprint triathlon.

Spiteri, the Malta champion, cruised home unchallenged in 1:09.13. Donatelle Callus was second, 1:15.58, and 2006 series winner, Michelle Wood, third in 1:17.11.

The race was held under the auspices of the Malta Triathlon Association and sponsored by Red Bull.

The next leg will be held on July 8 at Salina Bay.