A record 131 riders are expected to converge on Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq this afternoon for the opening leg, an 18km time-trial, of the 2013 Tour ta’ Malta.

At a news conference last week, John Zammit, president of the Malta Cycling Federation, announced that this year’s 19th Tour will be the biggest ever with 18 teams fielding riders in three categories – open, women and masters.

“The peloton looks formidable and includes some past winners,” Zammit said last week. “Our federation will be represented by five teams and we are hopeful that some of our riders will be among the contenders for the honours.”

Australian-based cyclist Daniel Bonello will use the Tour to stake his claim for a spot on the Malta team for this year’s Games of the Small States of Europe.

Bonello has competed in the New Zealand Cycling Classic this season, placing 26th overall from an entry field of 69. In February, he was classified 14th out of 23 riders at the Oceaniske Mesterskaber 2013 time-trial.

The country’s leading riders also have their sights set on a strong performance in the Tour to boost morale and preparations for the 2013 Luxembourg GSSE.

After today’s time-trial along the coast road, the Tour continues tomorrow with a 100km road race at the San Martin circuit followed by a 88km road race at St Paul’s Bay on Saturday.

The Tour concludes on Sunday with a second time-trial, this time a 12km circuit on the Żebbuġ bypass.

The presentation ceremony will be held at the end of the final stage.

Giuseppe Di Salvo (GS Napoli) and Rachel Armitage (London Dynamo Team) won the men’s and women’s titles at last year’s Tour ta’ Malta.

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