The 23rd edition of the Tour ta’ Malta reached a crucial phase yesterday with the completion of the third stage, a road 60 kilometre road race held over a circuit in the limits of Nadur, Gozo.

There were two new leaders at the end of the day’s racing as Matthew Higgins shot to the top in the men’s Elite and Marie Claire Aquilina took over from compatriot Michelle Vella Wood in the women’s race.

Greek Lukas Katapodis, of Pigasos Cycling Club, held on to his leader’s red shirt in the Masters tour.

The Elite category race yesterday was won by Henrik Forland, of Velostrada Test Team. He pedalled home in 1:30:28.05.

Higgins, of Mammoth Lifestyle, was second in 1:30:29.14 and Matthew Davies, of Rhino Race Team Velo, third in 1:32: 32.48.

The Masters race was won by Dave Griffits, of Mammoth Life Style in 1:03:56.61. At the finish, he was followed by Jim Jones (Velo Vitesse –  1:03:56.89) and Ian Knights (Racing Team Raw – 1:03:56.96) in that order.

The women’s race in Nadur saw Elice Sharp (NCC Group Torelli Quota) making it two stage wins in a row after coming home first in 1:07:35.61.

Ellen McDermott (EDCO Continental) was second in 1:07:35.92 and Stephanie Mottram, of NCC Group Iwota Torelli, third in 1:07:36.49.

Aquilina timed her race to perfection to start this morning’s fourth and last stage of the Tour – at the circuit in San Martin – enjoying a slight lead over her nearest pursuers.