After a lapse of several years, the Malta Cycling Federation (MCF) will again be represented at the annual congress of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The 173rd meeting of the world body this year will be held in Verona later on this month.

MCF president John Zammit and secretary Anthony Muscat Baron will be among the delegates in a meeting where various items will be discussed among which anti-doping procedures and proposed changes in road cycling race rules.

Zammit and Muscat Baron intend to speak on the interests of small nations and perhaps foster stronger connections with other federations.

The World Junior Championship will also be staged in Verona this month. Roderick Muscat, who took part in the championship last year in Canada, will be joined by Shawn Pullicino this time. Both attended training camps in Belgium and also took part in races in France and Ireland in their build-ups.

Meanwhile, Etienne Bonello and Dermot Galea participated in a 54km road race in France, better known as the Duo Normande.

The winning team was formed of home riders Eddy Segneur and Frederic Pinot (1:07.41). Bonello and Galea had a combined time of 1:25.58.

At present, the MCF is also preparing for the annual prize-giving ceremony, planned for October 8, and the annual general meeting on October 23.

Last season was one of constant activity for the federation and member clubs with the highlight being the Malta Tour and the national championships.

The MCF are already working on the 2004/05 calendar and first indications suggest there will be more activities for U-15, ladies, masters, juniors and elite categories. The official racing programme, which includes the GSSE 2005 cycling events in Andorra in May, should get underway in January.

On Tuesday, the MCF, in conjunction with the Valletta Local Council, will hold the annual race along the capital city's streets.