Victorious Bonello Spiteri completes challenge in style

Danica Bonello Spiteri achieved a milestone last Sunday after winning her age-group in the Nottingham Outlaw Ironman Triathlon, registering an emphatic victory and setting a new national record of 11:57:18 in the daring 226km challenge.

Bonello Spiteri has been living up to her Sportswoman of the Year status with a series of positive results in the UK triathlon scene. On Sunday, she displayed grit and determination to attain another notable achievement.

She launched her race with a 1:04.00 timing in the 3.8km swim, coming out of the regatta lake at Holme Pierrepont National Water Sports centre in second position. A swift swim-to-bike transition put her out on the 180km cycle course in the Nottinghamshire countryside. Bonello Spiteri clocked 6:21:38 to go in front.

In the final leg, a 42.2km run, Bonello Spiteri consolidated her lead as her direct rival could not keep up with her. The Malta champion kept her pace throughout the marathon, finishing the run in 4:23.00.

As she approached the finish, Bonello Spiteri was declared as the winner in her age category and the ribbon lowered for her to touch before crossing the line.

“In a massive event like this, you can’t keep track of race positions,” Bonello Spiteri said.

“I produced a bold effort in the swim, so I knew I had a good time. The bike was hard because of the headwind. I remember overtaking one of my direct rivals but there was so much going on, you just give everything till the end.”

Bonello Spiteri was determined to break the 12-hour mark in the Ironman. “I still had something in reserve in the run and made it a point not to take walking breaks and only stop for 15 seconds at feeding stations to ingest energy gels and drinks,” she said.

“Well, after almost 12 hours of non-stop effort, I was exhausted but in the straight for home, when I heard my name being called out as the winner of my category, my energy levels were revived.

“I was also thrilled to go under the 12-hour mark, having improved my previous Ironman race time by some 34 minutes despite a harder bike course.”