Etienne Bonello had to be at his best yesterday to win the second round of the time trial championship at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.

The Team Greens rider clocked the 33.7km distance in 47:07 to finish just ahead of Steve Sciberras, of Mosta AF Sign Studio.

Sciberras produced a com-mendable effort but in the end had to settle for second place, a mere three seconds behind the winner.

Jason Vella, of Team Greens, was third 14 seconds away from Sciberras.

On a morning of clear sunshine, over 80 participants took part in a smoothly-run race, organised by the Malta Cycling Federation.

Bonello lived up to his billing as he increased his momentum with every lap he covered but with Sciberras and Vella now posing a serious threat, the duel may be revived on Sunday at another time trial in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, this time organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club.

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