Marie Claire Aquilina finished a creditable third in a Sicily race.

Team Greens cyclist Marie Claire Aquilina made her mark in the International Etna Marathon Mountain Bike race last weekend after finishing third overall to add another prestigious result to her list of achievements.

The Etna Marathon, held on Sunday at the foot of the highest active volcano in Europe, attracted over 900 riders from Italy and other European countries.

The course covered over 74 kilometres of volcanic terrain with a total ascent of 2,480 metres, the highest peak reaching 1,820 metres above sea level.

Aquilina completed the gruelling race in 4 hours and 55 minutes.

“A race of this calibre requires sharp mountain bike handling skills in order to navigate through the volcanic terrain, especially in the long downhill sections,” Aquilina was quoted as saying.

“I prepared all summer for this event which also necessitated a change of racing equipment to full suspension.

“I am glad that I have finally secured a podium finish after so many attempts.”

Team Greens were also represented at the Etna race by Jeffrey Borg, who made his comeback to international competition after a season hindered by injury, James Mifsud and Gerard Said.