Bartolo second in Loch Earn 10K race

Birkirkara St Joseph long distance swimmer Keith Bartolo has just returned from the UK where he continued his intensive build-up for his attempt to cross the English Channel in 2010.

His first assignement in the UK should have been the 17-kilometre race in Lake Windermere in England.

Unfortunately, after an hour waiting for the start, this race was cancelled due to inclement weather.

This was a severe blow to Bartolo's preparations and schedule, however he concentrated his energies on his next race, which was the 10K in Loch Earn in Scotland.

North of the border the weather was again the worst possible but this time the organisers decided to go ahead with the race, also in view of the fact that the swimmers' accompanying boats were motor driven.

Swimming in a force six headwind in temperatures of 13 degrees Celsius, Bartolo started out steadily, leading the pack in the male category. Unfortunately for the Birkirkara swimmer, around the halfway mark a persistent elbow injury began to hinder his progress. This setback relegated him to second place in his category at the end of the race.

Bartolo's participation in international races gives him useful experience and helps him to receive more international exposure in preparation for his forthcoming English Channel Crossing.