The racing season of the Malta Cycling Federation got underway last Sunday with the Qormi to Dingli individual time trial.

The inclined route, measuring just over 10 km, passed from Mrieħel Bypass to Attard, up to Saqqajja hill through Rabat and all the way to Dingli. The riders were set off at one-minute intervals to cover the course.

Over 70 cyclists from seven clubs took up the challenge, transforming the event into an exciting race for the spectators who lined the course. The Saqqajja hill turned out to be the crucial part of the race as the leading riders showed their strength as they pedalled their way up.

Team Greens prevailed with a show of force as they claimed the three podium places in the elite category with time trial champion Etienne Bonello winning the race in 19:15. Jason Vella placed second in 19:35 ahead of Christopher Gatt (19:44).

In the women’s category, the honours also went to Team Greens as Marie Claire Aquilina topped the timesheets ahead of Michelle Vella Wood (Birkirkara St Joseph) and Danica Bonello Spiteri.

Team Greens duo Bernard Azzopardi and Terrance Lauri took the top two placings in the junior category with Nicholas Zammit, of Mosta AF Sign Studio, third.

In the masters, Brian Magri (Team Greens) was first ahead of team-mate Joseph Bonello and Mark Schembri, of Mosta AF Sign Studio.

In the over-50 category, Joe Mallia, of Qormi CC, placed first ahead of William Brydon (Birkirkara St Joseph) and Mario Brincat (Mosta AF Sign Studio).

Emanuele Camilleri (Mosta AF Sign Studio) topped the over-60 category.

Mosta riders Martina Pizzuto and Kurt Muscat secured the respective U-15 titles.

The race organisers were assisted by the Malta Police and the Dingli Local Council.

Meanwhile, this Sunday, the Malta Cycling Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs and the Pembroke Local Council, will inaugurate a public garden in memory of Clifford Micallef, the federation’s former secretary who died in a tragic traffic accident while cycling.

The event will commence with a bike ride at 9 a.m. from Baħar ic-Ċagħaq.

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