Great performances by Garzia and Galea

Ricky Garzia and Angela Galea virtually raced against time in the third stage of the Birkirkara St Joseph Open Water Swimming Series held at Qawra on Wednesday.

Forty-six swimmers started the two-kilometre race in perfect sea conditions.

Garzia immediately pulled away from the leading group with a powerful start. He swam around the four 500-metre laps in 26 minutes 52 seconds to finish the race with a huge 3 minute and 10 seconds lead on second-placed Mark Zammit.

Keith Galea was third in the men's race in 30 minutes 18 seconds.

Angela Galea's performance was equally impressive.

She finished in 30 minutes 3 seconds, ahead of Isabelle Zarb (33 minutes 45 seconds).

The race for third place was a close one between Michelle Wood and Danica Spiteri. The former touched the finish buoy one second ahead to win in 34 minutes 50 seconds.

The fourth race in the series will be held on July 22.