With the triathlon season still in its initial stages, Graham Borg has already shown he’s in fine form following a couple of encouraging results in Sicily.
Last October, Borg qualified for the 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Championships being held later this year in Sunshine Coast, Australia.
His first overseas racing commitment this year was the Triathlon Sprint di Marzamemi, the second round from the Sicily Triathlon Series and the same race Borg had won overall in 2015.
Despite the Marzamemi race being held over a short circuit, Borg, who was training long distance, showed his strength in all three disciplines and came home first in his category and fifth overall.
Borg produced an improved performance on April 22 at the Trapani-Man 113k, a middle distance triathlon consisting of a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21km run in Sicily.
This race takes place annually and over the years has attracted some big names with the likes of professional Massimo Cigana among the contenders.
Fresh from his strong performance in Marzamemi, Borg got off to a strong start in the swim and was one of the first to exit the water, three minutes ahead of Cigana.
Despite the strong winds, Borg continued to show strength in the bike and run segments. He went on to claim first place in his age group and another fifth place overall.
He crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 17 minutes with a personal best time in the middle distance triathlon.
“I am absolutely thrilled with how things are going so far,” Borg said.
“Although I have been consistent in my training throughout winter, I was not expecting to reach these levels so early into the season.
“My ‘A’ race this year will be the Ironman 70.3 World Champion-ships in Australia.”
Borg has a busy schedule with his next big commitment being the July 30 Budapest Ironman 70.3.
Last year, Borg, supported by On, PowerBar, MZ Investments and Cfragrances, secured second place in his age group at the 5150 Triathlon in Budapest, a side event held in line with the 70.3 race.
Just a month before the trip to Australia, this will be an ideal race to test his potential and tune up for the Sunshine Coast challenge.