Federation gearing up for eventful season

The official 2012 season of the Malta Cycling Federation starts on Sunday with the traditional Qormi-Dingli time-trial but the organisation is looking beyond that race as this year promises to be an eventful one from different aspects.

During the launching of the new season, held recently in Sliema, federation president John Zammit gave details of the racing calendar and also spoke about their partners and new backers to the sport.

An important development during the off-season was the conclusion of talks over a new sponsor – Christina Watches (rep-resented in Malta by 202 Jewellery).

Christina Watches, who also sponsor a pro cycling team from Denmark, will be a boost to Maltese cycling and the Tour, this year pencilled for March 29-April 1.

“This has been something we really wanted to achieve and now we hope this sponsorship will last for years,” Zammit said.

“Christina Watches are inter-nationally-recognised and their involvement in our events will be significant. Thanks to them we are now in a better position to promote the sport and introduce new initiatives.”

Despite the lack of space where to practice the sport, cycling is currently experiencing a boom here.

Zammit said the mountain bike and BMX branches within the federation’s fold have already launched their 2012 seasons and two new clubs – Agones ‘Orchid’ CC and The Cyclist CC – will be joining the more established Mosta, Team Greens, Qormi, Melita and Birkirkara SJ in the national championships that will also benefit from the Christina Watches sponsorship.

The federation does not intend to dwell too much on the past and wants to collaborate more closely with its sporting partners.

“A new initiative will be the introduction of chip timing in our races,” Zammit said.

“This process will upgrade our events to pro levels, also with real-time updates on the internet.

“We wouldn’t have purchased this equipment without the financial assistance of the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport with whom we are also collaborating on other aspects including doping and the 20/20 Scheme.

“Also the federation is working closely with the Maltese Olympic Committee ahead of the 2013 GSSE in Luxembourg next year.

“We did not achieve our goals in Liechtenstein but this time the build-up will be different and if we put to action an ambitious pro-gramme we have planned, results should be more encouraging.”

The Tour ta’ Malta will be spread over four legs, starting with the time-trial at the Coast Road and wraps up with the race at the Żebbuġ bypass.

The Tour will also include the gruelling uphill in San Martin and a cross-over to Gozo for the leg at the Nadur circuit.

Christina Watches representatives and top riders from Danish team Christina-Onfone will be at the Tour this year.