The 2011 Tour ta’ Malta is set to be a landmark race after it was announced yesterday that this year’s 17th edition has set new records in terms of participation.
John Zammit, president of the Malta Cycling Federation, told a news conference that the 2011 Tour, between April 7 and 10, will be contested by a record 111 riders.
“The Tour ta’ Malta is gaining in popularity and that is mirrored in the entries for this year’s race,” he said.
“We’ll have 111 riders on the starting line, a new best, and we have also established a new record in terms of overseas participation with 17 foreign teams competing against the five from Malta.
“This will be a huge boost for the sport here. Surely, we are going to experience one of the most contested Tours ever.”
The Tour ta’ Malta will be run over four days with the opening leg being a 25km time-trial at the Salina Coast Road. The following day, the peloton will tackle the demanding San Martin circuit in a 100km road race.
Gozo will again play host to the third stage as on April 9 the bandwagon will cross the channel for a 77km mass start race in Nadur. The competition will come to a close on April 10 with a 12km time-trial at the Żebbuġ by-pass.
All top Maltese cyclists have confirmed their participation in all three categories – men, women and veterans. Among the foreign participants will be 2005 champion Roy Chamberlain, of England, and Italy’s Francesco Guccione, the 2009 winner.
Zammit said this year’s Tour ta’ Malta holds special significance for those stepping up their preparations for the Liechtenstein GSSE in May.
“The Tour will be an ideal launchpad for our national team ahead of the GSSE,” Zammit said.
“Obviously, at the Tour they will be racing for different teams but we still expect them to work for each other to increase our chances for the red jersey. We are trying our best to assemble a strong group for Liechtenstein so it’s important that our riders show good teamwork and understanding.”
Kunsill Malti għall-Isport chairman Bernard Vassallo praised the work carried out by the federation in the build-up to the Tour.
“I have only words of praise for John Zammit and his federation for the excellent way they plan this race,” Vassallo said.
“The Tour is attracting more interest and these levels of success were only achieved due to the sheer determination of the federation. We can assure them that the KMS will continue to support the Tour for many more years.”
Betfair are the main sponsors of the 2011 Tour ta’ Malta with other support coming from the Gozo Channel, Strand Palace, Remax, General Soft Drinks, FMC Motors Ltd, Foto Art, Twistees, Greens Supermarket, Cycle World, BBB and Birkirkara St Joseph.