Outstanding performance by Maltese Triathletes in the European Triathlon Championships
Galea crowned European Age Group Champion, podium finish for Bonello Spiteri
Keith Galea and Danica Bonello Spiteri
National Team Triathlete and current Duathlon Champion Keith Galea gave an outstanding performance in the 20 - 24 Age Group European Triathlon Championships in Eilat last Friday, beating stiff competition to achieve first place in his Age Group category and a 6th overall placing, racing against 400 athletes, in the Male category with a time of 2hours 5 minutes.
The European Triathlon Championships took place in Eilat, Israel in hot and windy conditions. Athletes had to cover a distance of a 1500metre swim, a 40 kilometre cycle and a 10 kilometre run.
Galea, commenting after the race, said that the swim was tough but kept leaders well in sight. The bike segment was technical and made tougher due to the strong headwinds, however Galea played a cautious game in order to save his energy for the run, which resulted in the second best time, in this segment, becoming the first Maltese triathlete to achieve such a result in the European Championships.
Keith Galea is currently benefitting from the 20/20 Sport Training Scheme offered by Kunsill Malti Ghall-Isport. This scheme enables public service employees to be released from work for up to a maximum of 20 hours per week to undergo professional training sessions in their sports in preparation for international sports competitions.
Current female Duathlon and Triathlon Champion Danica Bonello Spiteri gained third place in her Age Group Category and placed 7th overall in the female category with a time of 2hours 25 minutes competing against 99 seasoned athletes.
"We were confident of our athletes' showing in these Championships and they did not disappoint. Having a podium finish in both categories where Malta was represented is a great honour for our sport" said Cyprian Dalli, President of the Malta Triathlon Association. "One has to also note that our athletes did not have a 'team' to support them, due to the financial constraints that small sport association like ours face. This situation makes such results even more significant".
