Keith Galea and Tara Baldacchino, junior triathletes at Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, were first male and female respectively in the 2003 Red Bull Triathlon Series.

BSJ are responsible for the series which also forms part of the national triathlon championships.

It was a red letter day for both Galea and Baldacchino as this was their first ever triathlon championship victory. With Malta champions Dermot Galea and Maria Mifsud Bonnici having a rest day ahead of their forthcoming international commitments in the UK, Keith emulated his more popular brother Dermot by chalking a triathlon championship victory at the age of 15.

Baldacchino, finally relieved of a heavy academic schedule, crossed the finish line ahead of her more experienced rivals.

Former champions also battled it out in the series with David Galea managing to outrun the likes of Nicky Farrugia and Ray Borg.

Farrugia, Keith Galea and Mark Zammit emerged first out of the waters at Golden Bay, completing the 750m swim in 11:45s, setting off to cycle 20km. By the end of the bike segment Farrugia was still leading, opening a 57-second gap on Keith Galea, himself being chased by David Galea.

The race was really on in the 5km running segment. Keith and David both overtook Farrugia midway through the race. David's powerful effort in the last 2km of the run proved futile though as a jubilant Keith crossed the finish line in 1:02.31, 11 seconds ahead of David and 82 seconds in front of Farrugia.

Baldacchino's victory in the ladies' race was as hard earned as that of her team-mate Keith Galea. Both Debbie Micallef Eynaud and Angele Cremona had a very credible performance. All three emerged seconds away from each other in the swimming segment, with Cremona leading the way into transition area.

The leader though could not match the prowess of the others in the bike and run segments where Baldacchino managed to open a significant lead on Micallef Eynaud. She eventually won the race in 1:20.05, 80 seconds ahead of Micallef Eynaud. Cremona finished the race in 1:23.14.

Red Bull are the main sponsors of this triathlon series, while Nextgen ISP, Magri Cycles and Air Malta are co-sponsors. The next race will be held on Sunday, August 17.

Keith Galea on his way to winning the Golden Bay triathlon. Picture: Wally Galea

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