The third annual Xterra Malta off-road triathlon will launch the 15th season of racing on the European Tour as the race gets underway on Sunday morning.
Two hundred and twenty-nine athletes will be on the starting line of the 1.5k swim, 30km mountain bike and 10k trail run set in the stunning Majjistral Nature Reserve.
The list of participants boasts a strong line-up which includes 29 pro athletes – 18 men and 11 women. Set against a backdrop of clear blue water, a rocky mountain bike circuit and one of the most scenic runs on the world circuit, Xterra Malta promises to offer a memorable day for athletes and spectators alike.
“This year has seen some changes to the layout, with a new set-up transition area in the Scouts Campsite that will offer a great atmosphere,” Xterra Malta organiser Nathan Farrugia said.
“There were also changes to the bike loop where it was decided to add some more technical parts and two new climbs.
“The run part remains spectacular, a cliff-edge trail overlooking the sea that twists, turns and climbs.”
Roger Serrano, the 2016 Pro winner, will again join the fray along with young guns Maxim Chane, Peter Lehmann and Hannes Wolpert who all had a good race here last year.
Other title contenders are Karl Shaw, the Xterra Costa Rica winner, Jan Pyott, Jim Thijs and Thomas Kubek.
Women’s 2016 winner Brigitta Poor will be returning to defend her title, joined by Maud Golsteyn and Kristina Lapinova.
Katrin Muller is set for a return to the Xterra fold whilst Helena Erbenova, considered among Europe’s strongest triathletes, will be making her first appearance in Malta.
Age group winners will automatically qualify for the Xterra World Championships which are held annually in Maui, Hawaii, in October.
Nine male and three female home-grown athletes will be taking part in the full and sprint distance categories on Sunday.
Maltese athletes
Danica Bonello Spiteri and Lara Buttigieg are no strangers to the full distance challenge and represented Malta in the Xterra World Championships on separate occasions.
“We are glad to see a number of new and returning Maltese athletes to the race. However, low local participation is a bit disappointing. This is a pity as Xterra Malta not only offers an unusual route but also offers our athletes an opportunity to race with some of Europe’s top athletes,” Farrugia pointed out.
“We also reduced the rate to encourage local participation but people still seem to be unsure of biking and running offroad. We would also love to see more relay teams next year.”
Xterra Malta is made possible with the support of Malta Tourism Authority, Radisson Blu, Eurosport, Cisk, Crane Currency, Jeep, Malta Police, Transport Malta, Mġarr Local Council, Agones SFC, Birkirkara St Joseph SC, Red Cross, Mediterranean Insurance Brokers, Garmin, ProAction, The Cyclist, emvigee pr & marketing and Top3Meetings.