The fifth round from the Malta Mountain Bike Association National Points Series was held recently at Ħas Saptan, Gudja.

The race, organised by Agones Club with the assistance of the Gudja council, was planned specifically to be very technical.

Various categories were held on the day but the main event was the Elite race which was contested by a full field of riders.

This contest switched into active mode right from the start when Mark Bonnici took to the front, setting a frantic pace.

Maurice Formosa and Etienne Bonello followed as this trio of riders opened a slight lead over the rest of the field.

Bonnici persisted in his attack but Bonello soon shot into the lead. Bonnici, perhaps suffering from his initial efforts, failed to keep the pace as he was joined by Formosa in chasing pack.

Bonello went on to extend his lead and win the race in 1:08:15 to further streng-then his grip on the championship with only one race to go.

Bonnici was the runner-up in 1:09:05 with Formosa in third place, a few metres behind.

Marie Claire Aquilina won the women’s race ahead of Donatelle Camilleri and Caroline Zammit.

Justin Gauci won the Sports category followed by Pierre Spiteri and Darren Zahra.

Kevin Muscat was the fastest in the Masters with Andrew Fleri Soler and Charles Sammut completing the podium.

The series comes to a close on Sunday.