After finishing runner-up no fewer than three times in past editions, Mark Zammit at last fulfilled a five-year dream. The Malta triathlete gained the first ever top podium finish in the men’s category when he romped home first in the Triathlon Cham-pionship of the Small States of Europe which was held in Cyprus, yesterday.

Thirty-five competitors from Cyprus, Monaco, Liechtenstein and Malta took part in the 12th edition of the event, held on a warm and windless day.

From the start list, it was evident that the Maltese triath-letes would have to contend with strong competition coming from the likes of Nicolas Collet, from Monaco, and Liechtenstein’s Nicole Klinger, winner of last year’s race in the women’s category.

However, it was clear that Zammit was intent on a strong race as he led from start to finish, leaving little to chance and crossing the line in 2hrs:06m:02s.

Monaco’s Collet was second in the race yesterday and Malta’s Keith Galea third (2:08:59).

Danica Bonello Spiteri, 2010 Sportswoman of the Year and twice winner of these cham-pionships for small nations in 2006 and 2009, faced stiff com-petition not just from Klinger but also from up-and-coming Cypriot Emese Meszaros.

In the end, Bonello Spiteri could only manage a third place (2:37:27). Klinger won in 2:22:12 ahead of Meszaros (2:31:18).

The championships, organised by the Cypriot Triathlon Federa-tion, were part of an Open Triathlon Race that included some of Russia’s best athletes.

The overall winners on the day were Valentin Meshcheryakov (1:54:01) and Irina Abysova (2:10:16). In all, there were 130 taking part. Zammit finished fifth overall and so was Bonello Spiteri in the women’s race.

The Maltese contingent, led by Malta Triathlon Association official Oswald Spiteri, also included Fabio Spiteri (2:15:44), George Vella (2:21:11) and Marica Micallef (2:50:41).

Participation in the champion-ship was made possible thanks to the Maltese Olympic Committee and Emirates Airline.