Bonello sprints to victory and national title in Żurrieq

The Cycling Road Race Championship came to a close last weekend with the third and final race in Żurrieq over a distance of 100km.

As expected, the pace was fast from the start with David Galea and Ramon Grech, of Qormi Kia, going in front from the first kilometres.

However, it was championship leader Etienne Bonello, of Team Greens, who made a selective attack in the second lap.

Only four others could keep up with his pace. These were Galea, Maurice Formosa and Pierre Borg, of Melita Pedal Power, and Adrian Sciberras, of Mosta AF Sign Studio.

The pack rode together for the rest of the race but as the finish line was approaching attacking moves were made by Formosa and Bonello as Borg and Sciberras lost ground.

Bonello attacked at 'Tal-Maqluba' hill, leaving Formosa and Galea, who was sufferring from cramps, in his trail. Formosa did a great deal to reel Bonello back in the final metres of the race but the latter had enough energy left to sprint to victory and the national title.

Galea finished third 15 seconds behind.

In other categories, Marie Claire Aquilina won the women's race ahead of Danica Spiteri while Christian Formosa was the fastest junior. He was followed by Andre Abela.

In the Masters category, it was John Costgrove who led the race followed by Mark Bugeja and Daniel Callus. Emanuel Bezzina kept his winning momentum in the over 50 category to finish in front of Charles Sammut and Anthony Borg.

James Dimech had another superb ride by winning the race for U-15s. Mosta team-mate Daniel Borg was second and Max Micallef, of Qormi, third.

The race organisers were assisted by the Malta Police, St James Ambulance, volunteers and club and federation officials.

Centrepoint Cycles were sponsors of the race.

The next competition will take place on Sunday with the second round of the Time Trial Championship at Baħar ic-Ċagħaq. The race starts at 7.30 a.m.