The 2016 Tour ta’ Malta got underway yesterday with the opening stage, a 25km time-trial along the Salina Coast Road.

Norwegian rider Thomas Strand was fastest in the elite category while Marie Claire Aquilina was the top woman in yesterday’s time-trial.

Michael Camilleri placed first in the Masters Category.

A total of 110 cyclists representing 16 teams took part in yesterday’s prologue.

In the elite division Strand, of Aasane CK, took the red jersey after crossing the finish line in 21 minutes and 19 seconds.

Mosta AF Sign Studio rider Wayne Spiteri was second in 21:45, just ahead of Norwegian rider Magne Aarsteinsein (Rennesow CK) who clocked 21:47.

Maltese riders filled the top two places in the women’s category as Aquilina (Club Cyclist) produced the fastest time, 23:29 minutes, to finish ahead of Team Greens Michelle Vella Wood who was 12 seconds adrift.

Iceland’s Augusta Edda Bsorndsdo (Klubb Tindur) was third in 24:23.

Team Greens cyclist Camilleri completed the distance in 22:15 in the Masters category, nine seconds better than Briton David Williams. Jimmy Jones was third in 22:30.

The Tour resumes today with an 88km road race at San Martin.

Tomorrow, the peloton crosses the channel for a 60km race in Nadur, Gozo.

The Tour comes to a close on Sunday with the final stage, an 83.3km race on the St Paul’s Bay by-pass.

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