An encouraging number of cyclists showed up earlier this month for what has now become a marked event on the cycling calendar in Malta - the Santa Marija Sprints in Mosta.

The event has been organised annually for about 15 years now by Mosta Cycling Club in conjunction with the Malta Cycling Federation.

Enthusiasm was high among cyclists as this kind of race, which is very short, requires power and perfect tactics to achieve a good result.

In the U-15 category Colin Galea (Mosta CC) took first place after beating the likes of team-mate Adrian Sciberras and Matthew Muscat (Pamsons). Steve Sciberras (Mosta CC) was the only competitor in the junior class.

The veterans sprint had a very fast pace and finished with a brilliant dash to the finish line. Here Joe Borg, also of Mosta CC, fought off the challenge of team-mates Mario Brincat and George Gauci who had to settle for second and third places respectively.

In the seniors race Albert Cilia (Birkirkara St Joseph) ousted the spirited challenge of Melita CC rider Johan Delicata by a narrow margin. This contest was also a tight one as the two leaders kept pedalling strongly home till the finish line.

Pierre Borg (Birkirkara St Joseph) was third followed closely by no fewer than eight other cyclists.

The strong turn-out for the race indeed encouraged the organisers who are already planning for the next edition of the sprints.

They were assisted by the Vassallo Builders Group, the Mosta Local Council, the Police and Local Wardens.