Team Greens did not fail from hitting their target at their ‘home’ race in Xagħra last weekend.

The Gozo Classic saw Etienne Bonello, the Greens leader, launched to victory with an impeccable show of force by his fellow riders who were in control from start to finish.

Still unbeaten after three National Championship races this season, Team Greens’ dynamics again proved the winning formula for them.

They set a high tempo as Christian Formosa rode the first lap at a frantic pace while Marco Fiorilla, Gerard Said and James Mifsud then took over to set the rhythm.

Into the final laps, William Hili, of The Cyclist, made a move that shook the field after a sharp progression over Xagħra Hill. Bonello allowed little space for his rival to manoeuvre, however, as he stuck to Hili’s wheel like a shadow.

The duo opened a gap as they raced each other towards the finish line.

In the end, Bonello had the better hand to claim the third victory for the team and his first of the 2015 season.

Despite riding in front for most of the distance, Mifsud dug deep into his energy reserves to claim third spot with Said coming in at fourth for the Greens.

Hannah Pace, of The Cyclist, won the women’s race ahead of Marion Pullicino and Lara Butti-gieg, of Agones.

Joseph Bonello (Team Greens) was the first rider home in the Masters race followed by Mark Schembri (Mosta) and Richard Galea (Mosta).

The winners in the other categories were Kurt Muscat (Mosta, juniors), Gejtu Catania (The Cyclist, 50+) and Emmanuel Camilleri (Mosta, 60+).

Isaac Spiteri and Monica Cutajar were the winners of the under-15 races for boys and girls respectively.

A shorter race for young cycling nursery participants and also an event for Gozitan riders were also held on Sunday.

All events were made possible thanks to the support of the Xagħra Local Council, Gozo Sports Board, Gozo Greyhounds Club, Greens Supermarket, BBB Bike Parts, www.buffmalta.com and Quest Vitamins.

Meanwhile, Team Greens will be taking part in the Grand Tour of Algeria, starting tomorrow.

The five-man formation, composed of Bonello, Mifsud, Said, Formosa and Alessio Galuppo, will compete in eight stages starting from Algiers and heading towards the city of Oran.

The race is part of the UCI Africa Tour and considered one of the major races on the continent.

This will be the fourth participation of Team Greens in the Grand Tour of Algeria. They will be backed up by Barry Whitmore and sports masseur Ian Sammut.

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