Sciberras caps successful day for Mosta club

The Malta Cycling Federation recently held its first National Championship individual time trial of the season.

The event, along the Mrieħel By-pass, was well attended with 62 competitors in eight categories. The weather was perfect with little or no wind and clear skies. Riders had to complete eight laps except for Under-15 participants who had to cycle three laps.

Members of reigning champions Mosta AF Sign Studio Cycling Club won four of the eight categories contested.

In the elite section, Mosta's Steve Sciberras, who has been improving consistenly during the past few seasons, celebrated his first win after recording the best time of the day - 36:55.

Sciberras, 23, was followed by David Galea (Qormi KIA) in 37:15 and Fabio Spiteri of Team Greens in 37:34.

In juniors, James Dimech, also of Mosta AF Sign Studio, extended his winning streak by finishing first in 40:46. Team-mate Daniel Borg was second in 42:50.

In the masters 40+ category, veteran Brian Magri, of Team Greens, placed first in 39:24. Chris Iwanik (Birkirkara St Joseph) was second in 42:26 and Joe Mallia (Qormi KIA) third in 42:42.

Emmanuel Bezzina, of Mosta AF Sign Studio, was the top cyclist in the masters 50+ category in a time of 39:25. Lino Fabri (Team Greens) was second (41:04) ahead of Anthony Borg (Qormi KIA) who clocked 46:51.

In the masters 60+ category, victory went to Qormi Kia's George Abela who completed the course in 46:01. He was followed by George Gauci of Mosta AF Sign Studio (49:13) and team-mate Edwin Spiteri (53:54).

In the ladies' section, Danica Spiteri, of Team Greens, was first in 45:43. Qormi's Roberta Bonavia (46:58) and Joanna Calleja (47:24) were second and third respectively.

The boys' Under-15 category has seen an increase in the number of participants this year with plenty of new young cyclists from the Mosta club nursery.

Max Micallef, of Qormi KIA, placed first (17:16) followed by Bernard Azzopardi, of Team Greens, (18:09) and debutant Carl Xuereb of Mosta AF Sign Studio who finished third in his first competitive race (18:31).

Martina Sciberras, of Mosta AF Sign Studio, won the girls' Under-15 category in 23:20.

In a statement, the organisers thanked all participants, officials, sponsors, police and the general public for their co-operation in making this event a successful one.