Dermot Galea and Maria Mifsud Bonnici both grab their second season victory
For the second time this season Birkirkara athletes Dermot and Maria won the Classic 7th June sprint triathlon. One of Malta's most prestige triathlon races takes the athletes across Balluta Bay for a 650m swim. The bike section is a 15.2-km roller coaster like fast route, following a 4.2km run to the finish area in Buggiba. Click for whole race article.Being the most popular race by local athletes and with the participation of some Dutch army athletes, the event was one of the best so far. Enthusiasm was high while athletes got their transition areas done prior to the race. Dermot Galea, Ray Borg and Nicky Farrugia where top favorites to win the men's race. So were Maria Mifsud Bonnici and Danika Spiteri for the female.
As expected B'Kara top swimmer Alex Cutajar was first out of the water followed by Dermot. All other top athletes where all close on the chase on the 15.2-km cycle. Ray Borg was the only threat for Dermot Galea as Nicky Farrugia has pulled out. Dermot kept his lead all thorough out the race winning the event for the second year running in 50 min 37 sec, followed by Ray Borg in 50:58.
Triathlon Rookie Michael Gellel grabbed a surprising third podium position to finish the race a minute and half behind Borg and just a few seconds ahead of John Zammit.
Maria Mifsud Bonnici dominated the female. Thanks to her fast cycling reaching 80km/h on downhills open up a large lead which was unreachable for any athlete to close up on the run. Maria was second fastest for the 4.2km run so to further increase her lead. Second female was Danika Spiteri of Manta Rays T.C. First time youth athlete Nicole Farrugia placed a very impressive third spot, proving that she could be a serious threat to all other females at the turn of the centuary.