The mountain bike season kicked off last weekend with the traditional season-opening race in Pembroke.

The race was held in drizzling rain and strong winds. Riders took off from near the BMX track down to the Pembroke ranges, a circuit which features mainly rocky terrain with technical downhills and challenging uphills.

Different categories were held to cater for various abilities with the elite class comprising the country’s top bikers.

Maurice Formosa and Jason Vella stormed ahead in the first downhill but it was Etienne Bonello who set the race alight as he surged past the early pace-setters to pull clear.

Vella tried hard to stay close to Bonello but to no avail. He was soon joined by Formosa, again, as the duo tried to reel in the race leader who maintained a strong pace in front.

Bonello fended off his pursuers and cruised to victory in 51:56.

Vella (52:55) lost the challenge for second place as Formosa crossed the line in 52:44.

The women’s race saw the return of Stephania Magri who spent the last four seasons racing in the UK.

She covered the four-lap distance in 42.10 to finish ahead of Marie Claire Aquilina (43:31) and Dona-telle Camilleri (51:25).

In the sports category, Cliff Sultana produced an excellent performance to win the day’s honours. Eman Scicluna and Keith Schembri were second and third respectively.

Kevin Muscat won the Masters race ahead of Louis Debattista.

The next race will be held on February 12 at Miżieb.