Schiavone fastest in opening race

The Centrepoint Cycles Time Trial National Championship got under way earlier this month with the first race along the Bahar ic-Caghaq coast road.

Despite the hot and windy weather conditions, the race developed into a close fight from the beginning. Fastest on the day was Jack Schiavone, of Qormi Kia Cycling Club. He covered the 33km distance in an impressive 46:40.

Schiavone had no easy task to win the race as defending time trial champion Etienne Bonello, of Team Greens, had a solid ride.

However, Bonello punctured in the final 10km and was forced to stop to change his bike, thus losing valuable time and any hope of victory. He had to settle for second place, just 47 seconds behind Schiavone.

Steve Sciberras, of Mosta AF Sign Studio, demonstrated his time trial potential when he returned the third best time, 49:03.

Danica Spiteri (Team Greens) had a superb ride to finish first among the women, followed by Michelle Wood (Mosta AF Sign Studio) and Stephania Magri (Team Greens). The latter also suffered a flat tyre during the race.

Emmanuel Camilleri (Mosta) clocked the sixth best time of the day to claim top spot in the Masters classification. Brian Magri (Team Greens) and Nicky Farrugia (Mosta) finished second and third respectively.

The 50+ category was won by Alfred Camilleri, of Qormi Kia. He was followed by Philip Borg (Qormi) and Edwin Spiteri (Mosta).

Mosta's Luigi Mifsud was fastest in the Juniors' class. Max Brincat, also of Mosta, was second.

In the Under-15 race, Mosta's James Dimech produced the fastest ride, followed by club-mates Stephen Behan and Daniel Borg.

In the meantime, the cycling national team, composed of Bonello, Schiavone, Reuben Colombo, Ramon Grech and Maurice Formosa, will be taking part in the 'B' World Championship in South Africa at the end of this month.