The Summer Cup competitions came to an end recently with the final race at Pembroke Ranges.

The three Summer Cup races were organised by the Malta Mountain Bike Association (MMBA) with the aid of Pasta Barilla as main sponsors.

Etienne Bonello was the overall winner after scoring the highest number of points in all three races.

He has been showing exceptional form, setting record times in all three events to confirm his status as the leading rider in this discipline.

It must also be said that all the top elite riders have raised their standard as racing has become faster and riding skills have improved radically.

Round Two in Delimara was the toughest of all since the course features steep inclines and fast technical downhills.

It was Ishmael Muscat (Mosta Mapei CC) who forced the pace in the first uphill just a few metres from the start, marked closely by Bonello and Mark Bonnici (Mosta Mapei CC).

Muscat's early lead was neutralised by Bonello who upped his tempo to move in front. Bonnici tried to chase down Bonello with Muscat joining the pursuit of the leader a few minutes later.

The two-men chase was not successful as Bonello increased his pace to finish the race in a record time of 1:11:44. Muscat managed to resist Bonnici's challenge to place second, seven minutes and 48 seconds behind the winner. Bonnici had to settle for third spot.

In the final race at the Pembroke Ranges, Bonello produced another solid performance to collect another win and secure his fifth consecutive Summer Cup success. Muscat and Bonnici were second and third respectively.

In the other categories, George Naudi was the winner of the sports class with Kevin Muscat and Pierre Zammit Endrich tied in second place. Stephania Magri was the first lady followed by Marie Claire Aquilina.