National events by the Malta Triathlon Association

Although missing the like of Triathlon Champion Dermot Galea and National Team triathletes Rudolph Agius and Johanna Calleja, the race was by no means lacking in excitement and offered its fair share of surprises. Keith Galea and Steve Chetcuti, representing Birkirkara St. Joseph had only Mellieha AC and defending Champion Fabio Spiteri to contend with in the first 5 kilometre run, with Galea running the distance in 17 minutes 10 seconds, a full thirty seconds ahead of team-mate Chetcuti who finished one second before Spiteri.

Galea simply flew in the bike segment opening a huge gap after cycling the distance in 40 minutes 49 seconds.  Fellow Saint Steve Chetcuti started to struggle, but it was very evident that fellow Saint, and relative new comer to the sport, Barry Farrugia was giving a strong show in the cycle leg placing himself third at the end of it, behind Fabio Spiteri.  Both Chetcuti and Spiteri were visibly struggling at transition for the final 3 kilometre run.  The latter was seen sitting for a moment before he set off to continue the run.

Galea ran a phenomenal 10 minutes 54 seconds to clinch the championship in one hour, eight minutes, 53 seconds.  Notwithstanding last year's champion Fabio Spiteri managed to hold on to his second place in one hour, 12 minutes, 28 seconds.   Third place on the podium was Birkirkara St Joseph athlete Barry Farrugia who ran to the finish 18 seconds ahead of team mate Steve Chetcuti.  Farrugia won his first major placing in one hour, 13 minutes, 49 seconds.

In the female's category, Danica Bonello Spiteri, from St. Patrick's AC held onto her crown by completing in one hour, 19 minutes 55 seconds closely followed by Birkirkara St. Joseph triathlete Michelle Vella Wood who completed the race in one hour, 22 minutes, 10 seconds.  From the start Danica showed her strength by completing the first run segment in 19minutes 35 seconds, 1 minute 38 seconds ahead of contender Michelle Vella Wood. Relative newcomer Margaret Seguna, representing Mellieha AC gave a good show especially in the first 5k run where she placed third ahead of team mate Donatelle Camilleri, however it was Camilleri's experience and strength in the cycle leg and subsequent 3k run which saw her achieve third place by clocking a total time of one hour 24 minutes 34 seconds, a full four minutes forty four seconds ahead of Mellieha AC team mate Margaret Seguna.

"Our athletes are showing consistency, determination and commitment" said Cyprian Dalli, President of the Malta Triathlon Association. "The growth in numbers within our sport has shown a renewed enthusiasm and thirst for such events, both at a local and international level. As an Association we are now gearing up for our next major event, the Triathlon Championships of the Small States of Europe, of which Malta has reaped excellent results in the past"

In preparation for this year's event, which will be held on the 8th July in Luxembourg, a selection race will take place on Sunday 17th June in order to select the Maltese contingent, which will be made up of at least 1 male and 1 female triathlete however the Association, will seek to increase contingent numbers as much as is financially viable.

The race, which will take place in Xemxija and will mimic as much as possible the race conditions in Luxembourg, will be an Olympic distance, wherein athletes must complete a 1.5k swim, 40k cycle and 10k run.  Athletes who do not wish to cover the whole distance are encouraged to form relay teams, consisting of a swimmer, cyclist and a runner.  Registration Forms and more information can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected]. Registrations are to be submitted by not later than Thursday 14^th June