The third round of the mountain bike cross country points series, held earlier this month in Delimara, saw current national champion Etienne Bonello return to winning form.

After Maurice Formosa won the first round in Pembroke and Clive Ebejer prevailed in the second round at Miżieb, Bonello's success intensified the fight for the title.

Considered the most gruelling race on the MTB circuit, the race in Delimara proved to be the feared leg-breaker with its climbs and technical sections.

From the start, Formosa took the lead up the first climb, pushing the pace till the top as he opened up a gap on Ebejer. Only Bonello could keep up with Formosa's race pace.

The duo maintained their lead until the third lap when Bonello attacked Formosa atop the same hill and managed to take a slight advantage.

Formosa suffered as a result of his initial efforts and was eventually caught up by Ebejer some time later.

Bonello rode to his first mountain bike win of the season in 1:11:48, Ebejer was second 20 seconds behind while Formosa had to settle for third, 26 seconds down on Ebejer.

Marie Claire Aquilina stole the limelight in the women's race, finishing the four-lap distance in 54:14 minutes. Danica Bonello Spiteri was second in 1:01:29 and Marica Micallef third in 1:08:09.

Antwan Mugliett won the sports category in 54:13 followed by Alexander Kandlers in 58:48 and Jack Schiavone in 1:00:47.

In the juniors race, Matthew Abdilla came first in 59:17 ahead of Bernard Azzopardi, 1:01:28.

The fourth round of the mountain bike points series will take place this Sunday at Chadwick Lakes.

For more information, one may visit www.maltamountainbike.com