The top three riders in the women’s BSJ time-trial series race in Żurrieq – Marie Claire Aquilina (centre), Michelle Vella Wood (left) and Stephanie Alden.

The 2015 Birkirkara St Joseph SC Individual Time Trial Series got underway last weekend with the opening leg from the three races in schedule.

The route in Żurrieq was a new location for the cycling circuit and generated a lot of interest within the community.

Attracting a significant number of riders, the series is becoming more popular and highly contested with the likes of Wayne Spiteri, Maurice Formosa, Etienne Bonello, Steve Sciberras, Marie Claire Aquilina, Michelle Vella Wood and Margaret Seguna all battling for podium places.

In the men’s race, Birkirkara SJ’s Spiteri, winner of the 2014 series, showed his true mettle in this particular discipline as he cruised to a comfortable win over the 21-kilometre course in 30 minutes and nine seconds.

Team Greens rider Bonello clocked in at 31:29. He was closely followed by Mosta CC’s Johan Galea in 31:45.

Alden’s effort

The women’s time trial was a hotly-contested affair.

In the end, it was Aquilina, of Team Greens, who clocked the fastest time to win her category in 33:56. Birkirkara SJ’s Vella Wood came in second at 35:01 ahead of relative newcomer Stephanie Alden (The Cyclist).

Alden has been producing strong and consistent performances in cycling competitions this season, winning several podium places in the process.

She covered the distance in Żurrieq in 36:18.

The opening leg from the series also welcomed a few junior riders, aged between seven to 14 years of age. They took part in a non-competitive mass start race.

In 2014, all races in the series were held at the Żebbuġ bypass but this year the organisers took the decision to include three different locations, making it more interesting and challenging for the riders taking part.

The next Individual Time Trial Series race will take place on July 26 in Mdina Road, Żebbuġ, next to St Dorothy’s School.

The final race will be held on September 6 at Mtarfa bypass.

All races start at 7.45am and registrations take place an hour before the first start.