Veteran Italian cyclist Filippo Ballatore (Ballatore Team) won the second stage of the Tour ta’ Malta yesterday after a tight race.

The second stage was a 100km road race at the San Martin circuit. Maltese-Australian Daniel Bonello and Maurice Formosa (The Cyclist) were among the main challengers for victory along with Tour leader Salvatore Coco (ASD Mister Bianco), Ben Killitt (Hope Factory Racing CC) and Ballatore.

These five riders broke away early in the race and stayed together until the final lap. Ballatore took the honours, winning in 2 hours 30 minutes 33 seconds to finish just ahead of Coco and Bonello.

Coco retained the leader’s jersey.

Margherita di Martino (ASD Mister Bianco) was first in the ladies 60km race in 1 hour 37 minutes 35 seconds. Clare Leaver (Zappi’s Team) and Mathilde Mathisse (Bonito Squadra Corse) were second and third respectively.

Overnight leader Mathisse held on to the red jersey.

In the masters, Daniele Battelli (ASD Fausto Coppi) completed a one-two finish for Italian riders after winning in 2 hours 32 minutes 33 seconds. Team-mate Daniele Bellucci was second while Maltese rider David Galea (The Cyclist) third

Thanks to this win, Battelli is the new overall leader in the masters category.

The third stage of the Tour takes place this morning with an 88 km road race on the St Paul’s Bay.

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