Keith Galea retained his title as national duathlon champion and Michelle Vella Wood regained the women’s crown in a hotly fought race on the new course in Mtarfa, held last week.
Galea was in front from start to finish as he executed his race-plan to perfection, winning his third duathlon crown comfortably over former champion Fabio Spiteri who stayed consistent and claimed another podium finish.
Third place went to Steve Chetcuti who is making a comeback after almost a year out due to injuries.
Vella Wood was engaged in a tight duel with Danica Bonello Spiteri who entered the gantry first after Run One with a 33-second lead.
However, Vella Wood’s recent focus on cycling paid its dividends as she stormed to a two-and-a-half minute advantage over Bonello Spiteri at the end of the second segment.
That margin was halved in Run Two but Vella Wood held strongly to win the race ahead of Bonello Spiteri and Hannah Pace in that order.
“This race was amazing but brutal,” Vella Wood said.
“I had to give my utmost to compete against very strong contenders on the day. But, I am ecstatic to have regained the title I won two years ago.”
Galea was satisfied with his performance and build-up to the current season.
“I am very pleased with my performance,” he said.
“Winning the duathlon championship for the third time in my career is a great feeling. Although being the favourite, no race is easy. This race confirms that I’m in fine form and ready for my next challenges.”
The promising Shaun Galea was sixth overall and winner of the Under 17 category while Dermot Galea was back to competitive racing with a convincing showing and seventh place.
Nina Zammit was the girls’ U-17 race winner and the U-23 titles went to Neil Markham and Lara Buttigieg. In Masters, Kelvin John Goodwin, Kevin Muscat, Jude Zammit, Joseph Cortis, Claudia Zammit and Marian Belsten were the age category winners.
Meanwhile, Matthaeus Sciberras was the first athlete from the Malta Youth Triathlon Academy to successfully complete the championship race.
At Mtarfa, the Malta Triathlon Federation was backed by the sponsorship of N.M. Arrigo, agents in Malta of Perskindol, along with the assistance from the Mtarfa and Rabat local councils, the Police Force, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and a team of committed volunteers.