Etienne Bonello rides to time trial title

Team Greens rider Etienne Bonello, the 2007 road race national champion, retained the time trial title after an outstanding performance along the Mriehel bypass.

The third and final race of the time trial championship, covering a distance of 25 km, produced an interesting tussle between the top riders. Participants set off at one-minute intervals from each other to complete the race distance as fast as they could.

A determined Bonello was fastest on the day, showing excellent pedaling skills and technique. He clocked 37.18, 58 seconds better than Mosta AF Sign Studio's Johann Vassallo. Fabio Spiteri (Team Greens) was third in 39.05.

Following his victory in the final race, Bonello made sure of his third time trial title with 575 points. Maurice Formosa (Mosta) was second with 455 points and Steve Sciberras (Mosta) third on 380.

Luigi Mifsud (Mosta) clinched the juniors' title ahead of Max Brincat (Mosta).

Danica Spiteri (Team Greens) made a successful defence of the ladies' time trial title. She was followed by Stephania Magri (Team Greens) and Michelle Wood (Mosta).

James Dimech (Mosta) was first in the Under-15. Mosta team-mates Stephen Behan and Daniel Borg finished second and third respectively.

In the Masters category, first place went to Emmanuel Bezzina (Mosta) who finished ahead of Nicky Farrugia (Mosta) and Brian Magri (Team Greens).

Charles Sammut (Team Greens) was the best rider among the over-50's. Qormi KIA flag bearers Alfred Camilleri and Philip Borg finished second and third respectively.

The championship was made possible with the support of Centrepoint cycles, the police force and St James Ambulance.

In a statement, the Malta Cycling Federation thanked all the dedicated club officials, volunteers and cyclists who contributed to another successful racing season.

Later on this summer, the federation will hold its annual presentation ceremony where the season's best riders will be rewarded for their achievements.

Results of final race

Elite: 1. E. Bonello (Team Greens) 0:37:18; 2. J. Vassallo (Mosta AFS) 0:38:16; 3. F. Spiteri (Team Greens) 0:39:05.

Ladies: D. Spiteri (Team Greens) 0:46:42.

Juniors: L. Mifsud (Mosta AFS) 0:42:20.

Under 15: 1. J. Dimech (Mosta AFS) 0:43:47; 2. S. Behan (Mosta AFS) 0:44:10; 3. D. Borg (Mosta AFS) 0:46:09.

Over 50: 1. C. Sammut (Team Greens) 0:43:35; 2. A. Camilleri (Qormi KIA) 0:46:31; 3. P. Borg (Qormi KIA) 0:48:00

Masters: 1. B. Magri (Team Greens) 0:39:34.67; 2. E. Bezzina (Mosta AFS) 0:49:34.84; 3. N. Farrugia (Mosta AFS) 0:50:34.