Italian rider Francesco Pizzo and Dutchwoman Anne de Wildt won the opening stage of the Tour ta' Malta yesterday after clocking the fastest times in a 32km time trial along the Salina coast road.

Despite the strong winds, the participants, around 70, obtained some encouraging results. However, the unfavourable weather conditions prevented 20 Sicilian riders from crossing to Malta in the last two days.

In the men's time trial, Pizzo, riding for Sicilian club Squadra Elettro System, cruised to victory in 48 minutes and 21 seconds.

Marcus Christie (Ulster Cycling Team) was second in 49 minutes and 45 seconds ahead of club-mate Ryan Connor who completed the time trial in 49 minutes and 51 seconds.

Maltese rider Etienne Bonello was unlucky to miss out on a podium finish as his time yesterday was only one second slower than that of the third-placed rider.

In the women's category, De Wildt was first in a time of 56 minutes and eight seconds. Sara Cramoysan, of English team Squadra Donne, was second in 58 minutes and eight seconds and Kay Hack (Ulster Cycling Team) third in 58 minutes and 22 seconds.

Naxxar Mayor Maria Deguara presented the medals and the leader's red jerseys to the winners at the end of the time trial.

The Tour ta' Malta continues today with a 100km road race on the San Martin circuit.

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