Christian Formosa crosses the finish line to win the BSJ Arch Criterium last Sunday. Photo: Wally Galea

Birkirkara St Joseph’s cycling section organised the first BSJ Arch Criterium in their home town of Fleur-de-Lys.

This inaugural event coincides with the club’s 40th anniversary.

Malta’s top riders took part in this race, the second event on the calendar of the Malta Cycling Federation.

The fast course meant that a large group of cyclists stayed together throughout the race and it was only in the final sprint that Christian Formosa, of Team Greens, managed to beat Steve Sciberras, of Birkirkara St Joseph, to carry off the honours.

The Cyclist rider Maurice Formosa finished in third place.

It was a case of sweet revenge for Hannah Pace, of The Cyclist, as she won this race comfortably, having been beaten by Birkirkara St Joseph’s Michelle Vella Wood in the previous race. The latter was second last weekend with the ever improving Stephanie Alden, of The Cyclist, placing third.

The winners in the various categories were Steve Attard Montalto (The Cyclist) in the juniors, Joe Bonello (Team Greens) in the over-40 category, Steve Bell (The Cyclist) in the over-50s, Isaac Spiteri (Agones SC) in the under-15 boys’ category, and Christina Spiteri (Agones SC) in the girls under-12 class.

In a statement, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club thanked the Birkirkara Local Council, the Fleur-de-Lys Administrative Committee, Transport Malta, the Traffic Police Section and the sponsors for their assistance in the organisation of this race.