The second round of the National Points Series, staged in Miżieb last Sunday, unfolded into a keenly-contested race from start to finish.

Fast racing was the order of the day as the riders braved the wintry weather and muddy terrain to dash off the starting line as if it was a 100 metres sprint.

Mark Bonnici seized the initiative in the first kilometres, triggering an immediate chase by his pursuers. Bonnici’s effort was neutralised by Gerard Said while Jason Vella launched a counter-attack to break away for a complete lap of the 6.1km course.

As a host of riders dropped out of contention due to the high speed, Maurice Formosa and Etienne Bonello came into the picture in the final laps.

Vella kept the pace with the front-runners with Clive Ebejer and Bonnici trailing a few seconds behind.

Into the final lap, it was the resilient Vella who once again stirred the race with a daring progression but he was chased immediately by Formosa with Bonello, Vella’s team-mate, hot on his wheel.

Bonello showed his mettle in the final and crucial phase as he tackled the hills aggressively with Formosa doing his best to stay in the hunt.

However, Bonello’s final burst proved decisive as he pulled clear of his rivals. Bonello dug deep into his reserves of energy to defend his advantage up to the finish line, winning the race in 1:11:58.

Formosa held on to second place in 1:12:31 with Vella third 32 seconds back.

Marie Claire Aquilina had another positive showing to win the ladies’ race followed by Donatelle Callus and Caroline Zammit.

Oswin Farrugia was first in the sports category ahead of Steve Giordano Imbroll while Kevin Muscat won the masters race.

Round three of the National Points Series will be held on February 26 at Delimara.

Full results of the races held so far can be viewed on www.maltamountainbike.com