Malta with a team of six for 2012 TCSSE in Luxembourg
Squad named after selection race at Xemxija Bay
Keith Galea, Steve Chetcuti, Rudolph Agius, Danica Bonello Spiteri, Michelle Vella Wood and Johanna Calleja will represent Malta at the 2012 Triathlon Championships of the Small States of Europe (TCSSE) which will be staged in Luxembourg on Sunday.
All triathletes making the trip booked their place in the squad after strong performances in a selection race on June 17 at Xemxija Bay.
The Malta Triathlon Association opted for Xemxija as this route was deemed more similar to the one adopted for the TCSSE which will be contested by Luxembourg, Cyprus, Monaco, Andorra, Iceland, Liecthenstein and San Marino, besides Malta.
Shifting from the usual venue of Salina proved to be challenging in terms of race logistics and a tough cycling route on the St Paul’s Bay bypass.
The race, which covered Olympic Distances (1.5k swim, 40k cycle and 10k run) was well attended with 27 triathletes completing the full distance and 30 others joining forces in relay teams.
Galea (Birkirkara SJ) maintained his current fine form, winning the race in 2 hours, 13 minutes, 6 seconds and comfortably securing his place in the Malta team.
He was followed by BSJ team-mate Chetcuti in 2 hours 15 minutes, 54 seconds and Athleta Pembroke’s Brian Magri who crossed the line in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
In the women’s race, Bonello Spiteri (St Patrick’s AC) showed consistency after dominating all segments of the race despite the bold challenge from Vella Wood (Birkirkara SJ).
Vella Wood finished second, 3 minutes, 32 seconds behind Bonello Spiteri.
Calleja was third after completing the course in 2 hours, 41 minutes, 18 seconds.
In a statement, triathlon association president Cyprian Dalli expressed his satisfaction satisfied with the athletes’ build-up.
“We have a team of dedicated and committed athletes and we’re confident that in Luxembourg they will continue to achieve their goals,” Dalli said.
“Triathlon Malta is going from strength to strength. Our athletes’ determination to improve is so motivating for us all and we intend to keep building on this positive stance.”
The Xemxija Bay race was supported by J. Spiteri & Sons Co. Ltd., Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club and a host of volunteers from local triathlon organisations.