Bonello off to a flying start
Micallef grabs first win for Birkirkara SJ
The cycling season kicked off last Sunday with the classic year-opener, the Qormi to Dingli individual time trial, organised by Qormi Cycling Club with the collaboration of the Qormi and Dingli local councils. Sponsors on the day were KIA Motors, BOV and Maxin Energy Drinks.
The route, measuring just over 10 km, took riders from Mrieħel Bypass to Attard, up to Saqqajja hill through Rabat and all the way to Dingli which had an inclination that made the race very hard.
Participants were set off at one-minute intervals to cover the course as fast as they could. The Saqqajja hill was the toughest part of the route and it was there that the strongest riders showed their good form as they pedalled up the road with impressive pace.
Over 60 riders from five clubs took up the challenge. Team Greens and current time trial national champion Etienne Bonello delivered an emphatic performance as he finished first in 18:54. He was followed by Qormi Kia's David Galea in 19:42 while Fabio Spiteri, of Team Greens, clocked the third best time in 19:54.
Marica Micallef clinched the first win for the newly formed cycling section of Birkirkara St Joseph. Donatelle Callus, of Team Greens, was second while Karen Xerri, of Qormi KIA, was third.
Carmel Sammut (Mosta AF Sign Studio) was first in the masters category ahead of Daniel Callus (Team Greens) and Joe Mallia (Qormi).
Emanuel Bezzina (Mosta AFSS) registered the best time in the over-50 followed by Anthony Borg (Qormi Kia) and Mario Brincat (Mosta).
James Dimech and Daniel Borg, both of Mosta, topped the junior category. The best over-60 riders were George Gauci (Mosta) and George Abela (Qormi).
The 2009 calendar continues on February 15 with a time trial in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. The race will be organised by Birkirkara SJ.