The mass start race, hosted by Mosta AF Sign Studio recently under the auspices of the Malta Cycling Federation, on the Żebbuġ bypass attracted a good spread of participants across eight categories.
A tight race in the Elite category had to be decided after a photo finish.
With cyclists vying for a breakaway, an attack midway through the distance saw Mark Micallef (The Cyclist) and Michael Camilleri (Team Greens) surge ahead along with Nicholas Micallef (Mosta CC).
However, the trio of pacesetters were caught up by the fast-moving peloton as a cohesive group of Mosta riders combined perfectly for Pierre Borg to win the race for a second year running.
However, the winner was only decided by marshals following a photo-finish verdict with Christian Formosa (The Cyclist) a very close second. Third place was clinched by Steve Sciberras (Birkirkara SJ).
In the women’s race, national team and Mosta cyclist Marion Pullicino chalked up her first ever victory in the category. She was followed by Margaret Seguna (The Cyclist) and Michelle Vella Wood (Team Greens).
Strong contenders Marie Claire Aquilina and Stephanie Alden retired early following a racing mishap.
In the race for juniors, Nicholas Attard Montaldo (The Cyclist) continued to show his potential by edging away from team-mate Isaac Spiteri as Gianluca Camilleri (BSJ) had to settle for third place.
Meanwhile, 11 riders undertook one lap (4.5km) of the course in the U-12 section.
Miguel Galea (Team Greens) crossed the line first ahead of Jaeken Galea (Mosta CC) followed by promising team-mate Jonas Micallef.
Justine Degiorgio, of Mosta CC, was first in the race for girls. Hannah Dandria and Valentina Soler, also of Mosta CC, followed in that order.
The U-15’s podium was dominated by Mosta boys as well. Held over 13.5kms, Sean Enriquez emerged winner followed by Nikol Micallef and Malcolm Vassallo.
Ivan Zammit (Birkirkara SJ) clinched an uncontested first place in the 40+ Masters category. A sprint for second place was claimed by Domenic Cutajar (Gozo CC) ahead of Matthew Mirabelli (Mosta CC).
The Masters 60+ race was an uncontested solo ride for Emanuel Camilleri and the 50+ title went to Nicky Farrugia (Mosta).
“Sunday was a good day for the club, apart from the race being well attended, our riders also featured prominently on the podium,” an enthusiastic Mosta CC secretary Edward Enriques said.
“It was great to see some very strategic and tactical teamwork by our cyclists which enabled Pierre Borg to win the major race on the day.
“We remain grateful to all participants, officials, ARRTS time-keepers, Żebbuġ Local Council, Malta Cycling Federation, the Police, Transport Malta and the Global Security for their contribution and assistance to make this a perfect day for us as organisers.”
Mosta CC riders will be taking part in the Tour of Cyprus between March 24 and 26 along with the national team.
They will be represented by Patrick Scicluna, Gerard Said, Nicholas Micallef and Marion Pullicino.