Malta Triathlon represented at Triathlon Championships of the Small States of Europe at Echternach, Luxembourg

Triathlon Malta was recently represented at the Triathlon Championships of the Small States of Europe at Echternach, Luxembourg which saw a field of ninety three athletes representing Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Poland, France and Austria.

Triathlon Malta, was made up of Keith Galea, Steve Chetcuti, Rudolph Agius, Danica Bonello Spiteri, Michelle Vella Wood and Johanna Calleja who all registered strong performances in what was a high level race, which saw athletes from Luxembourg coming out in full force.

The race covered an Olympic Distance, 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run, was also draft legal which required a substantial amount of team tactics. The bike course was as expected very challenging, where athletes had to tacked steep hills. Team Luxembourg came out in full force and grouped up to ride a very fast bike section, making it quite difficult for Team Malta to keep up such momentum.

The winners of the race were Neil Peters (LUX) and in the female category Liz May (LUX) registered the fastest time. Triathlon Malta's first athlete to cross the finish line was Keith Galea, who placed 10th overall in 2:05:05, followed immediately by Steve Chetcuti in 11th place, with a time of 2:05:57. Rudolph Agius covered the distance in 2:15:40. In the females' category, Danica Bonello Spiteri completed the course in 2:22:15, coming in 6th female and 45th overall, also registering her fastest swim time in an Olympic distance race (23:03). Michelle Vella Wood came in 2:23:20 securing 7th place in the female section and 47th overall. Johanna Calleja clocked in 8th female with a time of 2:28:51.

"Our athletes have been showing consistent results which demonstrate their dedication and commitment. Our team was represented by a mix of seasoned and relatively new athletes to the international scene however they all showed their top form." said Cyprian Dalli, President of the Malta Triathlon Association. "Whilst it was disappointing that only Malta and Luxembourg, from the Small States of Europe, were actually present for this race, we are nevertheless satisfied with Team Malta's performance and such competitions only serve our athletes to improve their performances and gain experience in the international scene"

The Maltese contingent had a good supportive crowd from Maltese nationals living in Luxembourg who turned up on race day to support out athletes.