Keith Galea strikes first international win for 2017 in Mazara del Vallo

Birkirkara St. Joseph Triathlete and Malta National Champion Keith Galea recently claimed his first international victory for 2017 following his participation in the first Satiro Sprint Duathlon held in Mazara del Vallo in the Region of Trapani in Sicily.

The Sprint Duathlon consisted of a 5km run around the historical town of Mazara, a 20km cycle on the promenade of San Vito and finished off with another 2.5km Run. Whilst weather conditions were relatively good, the prevailing winds on the bike made this segment of the race challenging for the athletes.

From the start Galea set the pace with only Mario Giordano (Multisport Catania) challenging him on the 5k run. Entering together into the first transition Giordano and Galea went onto the bike course together opening a gap from the rest of the field. A tactical decision not to attack but keep working with Giordano and ensure an attack on the run worked well for Galea when he left the second transition leading the race. Although Giordano was hot on Galea’s heels, his efforts were not enough to beat Galea, who at 100m away from the finish line gave one final sprint to win the race in 59 minutes eight seconds.

This was Galea’s second win of the season and the first one on foreign soil.

“This race was a very tactical one, whilst I would normally go all out on the bike leg to widen the gap,this time around I was fully aware that I was not in my usual top form – nevertheless I am very satisfied with my performance and it was great racing such a race” commented Galea after the race.” I am grateful for the support I receive from a number of entities, in particular

SportMalta for funding this race and for the Flexi Training Scheme, my coaches Ivan Rozhnovand Dermot Galea, nutritionist Johanna Galea and sponsors www.garminmalta.com, BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Saracino Café, Scott Bikes, Starbene 24/7, Team Barry Malta International Challenge Marathon, Lucida Laundry, emvigee PR&Marketing, his Club Birkirkara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation and the Maltese Olympic Committee for their constant support”.

Galea’s next international commitment will be the Triathlon European Championships in Kitzbühel in June.