Saturday, 1st August 2009 - 16:50CET

Hundreds of cyclists in fitting send-off to Cliff Micallef

Video: Mark Zammit Cordina.

Cliff Micallef, the cyclist who was run-over on the coast road on Thursday morning was given a fitting send-off at his funeral this afternoon, with some 400 cyclists escorting his funeral from Ibrag Church to Addolorata Cemetery.

The gesture took place after funeral Mass which was attended by hundreds of Mr Micallef's friends, including those from LifeCycle.

Mr Micallef, 45, a father of three, died on the spot when he was hit by a car on the coast road. He had been training for the LifeCycle Challenge which starts next week. Cyclists will pedal from Istanbul to Damascus to raise funds for the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital.

Comments

James Craig Wightman (on 3/8/09)

Having attended the funerals of other sporting personalities in Malta all I can say is that the Malta Cycling Federation did an excellent job in organizing a difficult yet fitting tribute to a true gentleman and athlete. The footage and videos do little to adequately convey the quality of Cliff's final ride, surrounded by friends, club riders and other cyclists who showed that they cared not to mention a respectful funeral mass. The MCF showed other sporting organizations in Malta how it should be done professionally, and with meticulous care and attention.

Leon Caruana (on 2/8/09)

A fitting tribute and sendoff for Cliff by fellow cyclists!

Whilst the vast majority wore helmets, some could be noticed without one on their head. Pictures of Cliff on a bicycle that were circulated through the media always showed him wearing a helmet. Should his tragic death not have served as a reminder to cyclists for basic protection precautions?

Michael De Gaetano (on 2/8/09)

I did not know Cliff but like many others I was very saddened at his tragic death. Cliff was training to participate in the Life Cycle Challenge to raise funds for the Renal Unit of Mater Dei Hospital. I would like to take this opportunity and make an appeal to everyone to contribute to this cause as a small way of showing that his death was not in vain and that what he was trying to achieve is being appreciated. For those wishing to I found details of how one can donate on their website www.lifecyclechallenge.com.

Gordon Pacee (on 2/8/09)

Unfortunetly In Malta after an accident occur will start doing something.Is it that difficult to set up a group of police and perform breath test ?? We all know from which parts of Malta are the most popular. Come on start doing something. I hope this one will be an example for other drivers and hope that law will be 100 percent enforced.

r cutajar (on 2/8/09)

look at this one
coming out of a side street this early morning Sunday 2nd August 2009 approx 6 00 am in san gwann I stopped my car to allow what is so obvious and give way to an oncoming car at a brisk pace when all of a sudden the car came to a stop smack in the middle of the road the driver stopped so as to allow one of his passengers at the back to alight .
The three youths including the driver looked rather tired at first look but where not in any sort of state to reason with "if you don't like it revers " was the driver's remark when i looked in surprise WHILE THEY TOOK ALL THEIR TIME
there was plenty of side parking space but amazingly SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAIN ROAD
Malta wake up and start seriously Educating Road Manners

pierre borg (on 1/8/09)

filwaqt li inkomplu nitolbu ghal familja ta Cliff specjalment ghal mara u uliedu, ommu u missieru.
nixtieq nappella lil AWTORITAJIET biex jinfurzaw ir regoli tas sewwqan specjalment ma min issuq taht l effett tax xorb.
il breathalizer MHUX QEDD ikun uzat u hafna nies isuqqu xurbana. tkellmu ma barranin u tara jekk f pajjizhom issuqux wara li jkun xorbu
il pieni irridu ikunu HOROX halli l ABBUZ jinqatta

Long Live CLIFF in our hearts, and keep praying for his dear ones.

Paul Cave (on 1/8/09)

A fitting send off for a great bloke.

Jonathan Barbara (on 1/8/09)

I wasn't surprised at all with the huge crowd. Cliff was a good example and a true friend to all. My symphaty goes to his beloved family and friends. One last word is for his friends at Lifecycle who in the next couple of days will be taking part in this year's challenge. Keep your courage up, Cliff is still watching from heaven. LIVESTRONG

Peter Gatt (on 1/8/09)

Rest in Peace.

Hundreds of cyclists in fitting send-off to Cliff Micallef

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