Bonello dominates as Camilleri breaks duck at Coast Road

The third Birkirkara St Joseph 20K individual time trial was held recently on the Salina Coast Road under the auspices of the Malta Cycling Federation.

With the cycling season nearing its end, this race attracted the top riders who are now in their final preparations for the National Championship.

As expected, Etienne Bonello, of Greens Cycling Club, emerged as clear winner to preserve his unbeaten run throughout the best part of this season. He cycled relentlessly around the three laps, covering the distance in 26 minutes 52 seconds.

Fellow national team and club cyclist Jason Vella was second in 27 minutes 35 seconds.

More was expected of Mosta AF Sign Studio rider Steve Sciberras who failed to reproduce his previous per­formance when he seriously challenged Bonello for first place only to fall short by a whisker.

In this time trial, Sciberras had to settle for third in 27:49.

In the women’s race, Donatelle Camilleri, of Greens Cycling Club, chalked up her first victory of the year, crossing the line in 34:57. She finished ahead of Marica Micallef (Melita Pedal Power, 36:24) and Paula Sciberras (Mosta AF Sign Studio, 39:16).

The winners in the various categories were: U-12 girls Maria Grech (Mosta AF Sign Studio); U-12 boys Alessio Galea (Qormi Scott CC); U-15 girls Michela Galea (Qormi Scott CC); U-15 boys Carl Xuereb (Mosta AF Sign Studio); Masters Over 60 Emanuel Camilleri (Mosta AF Sign Studio); Masters Over 50 Emanuel Bezzina (Mosta AF Sign Studio); Masters Over 40 Joseph Zammit (Greens CC) and juniors Terrance Lauri (Greens CC).

Ray Grech and John Zammit, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club head and president of the Malta Cycling Federation, respectively, presented the trophies to the winners.

The Cyclist Bike Shop, of San Ġwann, were the main sponsors of the time-trial.