The final round of the road race national championship, held on the Żurrieq-Mqabba circuit, turned out to be an exhilarating affair.

The Cyclist team duo Maurice Formosa and Hannah Pace were crowned national champions but victory on the day went to Etienne Bonello, of Team Greens, who had the upperhand in the final sprint after a gruelling 100km of racing.

The race in Żurrieq was keenly-contested with the overall title still up for grabs in a competitive championship spread over three rounds.

The tight situation at the top made for a cagey finale.

It was very clear that teamwork was going to play a key role as the top clubs turned out in full force to support their leading rider.

It was Team Greens and Agones who launched several attacks but The Cyclist riders always responded to the challenge, making sure that championship leader Formosa stayed in the hunt for the title.

In the final metres, Team Greens emerged stronger with Bonello breaking clear in the decisive sprint.

Maurice Formosa’s second-place finish earned him enough points to secure the title after he had won the opening two rounds.

His younger brother Christian finished third.

The Cyclist made it a double as Pace became the new female national champion after winning two rounds.

The race was run smoothly by the Malta Cycling Federation with the assistance of the Żurrieq and Qrendi local councils, the police, Birkirkara St Joseph time keepers as well as club delegates and volunteers.

Other winners

U-15 girls: Erika Spiteri Bailey (Mosta AF Sign Studio).
U-15 boys: Andrea Lucia (Mosta AF Sign Studio).
60+: Leli Camilleri (Mosta AF Sign Studio).
50+: Joe Mallia (Qormi CC).
40+: Patrick Scicluna (Agones).
Juniors: Carl Xuereb (Mosta AF Sign Studio).
Elite: Etienne Bonello (Team Greens).