Bonello storms to victory

The cycling season got underway last Sunday with the classic opener, the Qormi-Dingli individual time trial, organised by Qormi Cycling Club and sponsored by KIA Motors, Bank of Valletta and Maxin Energy Drinks.

The route measured just over 10 kms, passing through the Mriehel Bypass to Attard, up to Saqqajja Hill and Rabat and all the way to Dingli.

Riders, 60 in all, were set off at one-minute intervals. The hill at Saqqajja, in particular, posed a stern challenge to the competitors and it was at that point that the strongest riders showed their current good form as they pedalled up the hill at impressive pace.

Team Greens and current time trial champion Etienne Bonello produced an impressive ride to cover the distance in 17:20. He was followed by team-mate Fabio Spiteri, 18:18, while Johann Vassallo, of Melita Pedal Power, was third in 18:21.

Melita's Donatelle Callus won the women's time trial with Stephania Magri and Danica Spiteri in second and third places respectively.

Carmel Sammut, of Mosta AF Sign Studio, was first in the Masters category followed by Brian Magri (Team Greens) and Nicky Farrugia (Mosta).

Emanuel Bezzina (Mosta) clocked the best time in the Over 50's followed by Charles Sammut (Team Greens) and Anthony Borg (Qormi KIA).

James Dimech, Daniel Borg and Robert Attard, all of Mosta, were the leading U-15 riders while Andre Abela (Mosta) and Karl Fenech (Melita) placed first and second in the juniors.

The next race will be a team time trial, organised by Team Greens, on Sunday at Bahar ic-Caghaq.