The final round of the 202 Jewellery Road Race National Championship was held recently along the St Paul’s Bay bypass.
Etienne Bonello (Team Greens) emerged victorious after a two-man sprint with Maurice Formosa (The Cyclist). However, a second place for Formosa was enough for him to win the championship.
The title went to Maurice Formosa after a fierce battle with his brother Christian (Melita Discus) who were level on points after the first two races.
Bonello was third going into the final race and his victory in St Paul’s Bay propelled him to second ahead of Christian Formosa.
The three leading riders were supported by their respective teams with Team Greens determined to take the day’s honours after having failed to secure a win in the road race championship.
The race was tight from the start as attacking attempts were limited. The hot and humid weather made the going tougher and, in the final laps, only a handful of riders remained in front.
It was in the final climb up the bypass that the race came to life. Waylon Mifsud (Mosta AF Sign Studio) opened a slight lead but he was immediately reeled in by Christopher Gatt (Team Greens).
In the final metres, Maurice Formosa attacked, capitalising on his brother’s difficulties.
Bonello promptly upped the tempo to outsprint Formosa in the final 100 metres and win the race. Mark Bonnici (Melita Discus) finished third.
The racing season comes to an end this Sunday with the final round of the time trial national championship, a hillclimb in Miżieb.
Results At St Paul’s Bay
Elite: 1. Etienne Bonello (Greens); 2. Maurice Formosa (The Cyclist); 3. Mark Bonnici (Melita).
Ladies: Ruth Mamo (Mosta).
Juniors: Karl Xuereb (Mosta).
Masters: 1. Peter Gatt (Greens); 2. Joseph Bonello (Greens); 2. Mark Schembri (Mosta).
50 Joe Mallia (Qormi); Charles Zammit (Mosta).
60 Emmanuel Camilleri (Mosta); Anton Borg (Qormi); George Abela (Qormi).
U-12: Isaac Spiteri (Melita); Michele Lucia (Mosta); Michael Sant (Mosta).
U-15 boys: 1. Kurt Muscat (Mosta); 2. Mark Farrugia (Mosta).
U-15 girls: 1. Martina Sciberras (Mosta); 2. Martina Pizzuto (Mosta).