Galea, Spiteri make it a double

The second race from the 2007 Birkirkara SJ Series was held recently in perfect weather conditions. Personal best times were registered on the day by most of the triathletes in the top order.

Keith Galea kept hold of his nerves to obtain his second victory in the men's triathlon. Malta champion Danica Spiteri also made it a double in the women's series.

Galea pushed from the gun in the 750-metre swim. Hard on his heels was Luke Bonnici, trailing Galea into the first transition by 25 seconds in a time of 11 minutes 42 seconds.

Third out of the water was Cliff Sultana, making a solid comeback after recovering from injury.

Galea went on to produce the best time in the bike segment, cycling the 20 kilometres in 31 minutes 24 seconds. Bonnici kept up the momentum although he lost vital seconds.

At this stage, national team triathlete Brian Magri and Fabio Spiteri joined the fray for the final battle in the five-kilometre run.

Magri turned in the best performance in this section, to place himself second, seriously challenging leader Galea. Bonnici shrugged off Spiteri's onslaught, notwithstanding the latter's 18 minutes 45 seconds run, which relegated Sultana to fifth.

Galea's jubilation on crossing the Red Bull finish gantry was well earned, celebrating a victory he knows will be even harder to reproduce come September 2.

His time of 1:01.25 was 33 seconds faster than Magri in second place. Bonnici finished third in 1:02.51.

In the women's race, things were slightly easier for 'triathlon queen' Spiteri, who, although not in her best physical condition, finished in 1:10.23.

This time, her winning margin was reduced by rookie Donatelle Callus who clocked 1:11.50. Series title holder Michelle Wood finished third in 1:12.53.

Seven women took part in this race, a record number resulting from the association's drive to attract new recruits to the sport.

The race was organised by Birkirkara SJ, under the auspices of the Malta Triathlon Association and sponsored by Red Bull.

The third race in the series will be held on September 2 at Salina Bay.