Record participation for Malta-Gozo-Malta and Gozo-Malta open water swimming competition

Over 110 swimmers are expected to take part today in the annual Malta-Gozo-Malta and GozoMalta swim.

Organised by Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club, under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association, the competition will be welcoming 97 swimmers for the 5.5km Gozo-Malta route and 14 swimmers for the 11km MaltaGozo-Malta route. Both categories have seen a substantial increase in numbers. Gozo-Malta Race With last year’s winner Luke Camilleri Cuschieri out of competition due to injury and runner up Andrew Sultana undertaking the Malta-Gozo-Malta route, 2016 Open Water Swimming Series Champion Dylan Cachia is billed as the top favourite to clinch the honours. A challenge is expected however, from the likes of Bernard Sant, Jean Claude Randon and Ramon Calleja, just to mention a few.

In the women’s sector, Sarah Demicoli, who has showed no signs of stopping her successful run, will not be taking part in this race but has moved to the longer 11km route. Barring any major surprises, main title contender for this race is Maya Schembri Rogers, who performed consistently well in the races she undertook throughout the summer. Malta-Gozo-Malta Similar to the Gozo-Malta race, last year’s winner Neil Agius is out of the fray leaving the way open for Andrew Sultana or Richard Zerafa to claim the title. One must not ignore seasoned swimmers like Keith Bartolo, Roberto Demicoli and Robert Vella who are not new to such distances and who’s experience will defintly come in handy.

A podium placing is nearly guaranteed for the three female competitors in this race. Sarah Demicoli, Sandra Schembri and Isabelle Zarb will make for an interesting race.

The 11-kilometre Malta-GozoMalta swim will start at Marfa at 6.30am, while the Gozo-Malta Swim will start from Ras il-Qala at 8.15am.

The first swimmers will be expected to reach Malta at about 9.30am. finishing at the Ramla Bay Resort Beach which will be all set up for this occasion.