The Road Race National Championship came to an end last Sunday with the final mass start race along the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq coast road. The inclement weather on race day complicated matters for the riders as the roads were slippery.

Etienne Bonello, of Team Greens, won the elite race on Sunday after producing a strong sprint finish despite the heavy rain.

The 12 laps along the coast road were covered at an elevated pace as several riders tried to break away from the main peloton but the Melita Pedal Power group kept the bunch together.

In the final metres, Bonello powered his way to the front and past the finish line ahead of David Galea (Qormi Scott) and Mark Bonnici (Melita).

Championship leader Maurice Formosa (Melita) finished seventh to secure top spot in the overall standings with Galea and Bonnici finishing second and third respectively.

The attention of local cyclists has now turned to the final round of the time-trial championship, to be held on Sunday in Miżieb.

Bonello is the favourite for the time-trial title after winning the opening two rounds. Sunday's race sets off at 7.30 a.m.

The winners of the other categories in Sunday's road race were:

Ladies: Marie Claire Aquilina (Team Greens).

Juniors: James Dimech (Mosta AF Sign Studio).

Masters: Michael Lia (Mosta AF Sign Studio).

50+: Emanuel Bezzina (Mosta AF Sign Studio).

60+: George Abela (Qormi Scotts).

U-15 boys: Terrance Lauri (Team Greens).

U-15 girls: Adriana Galea (Qormi Scotts).

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