2018 Malta Mountain Bike National Point Series returns after short break

Following a short break after a successful season in 2017, the Malta Mountain Bike Assocation announced dates for the 2018 season, with the first cross country race as a season opener in Miżieb on Sunday 28 January.

The Association announced that BDO Malta will be extending their support towards the Cross Country National Points Series for another year, following the success garnered in the previous season.

“Last year was a very successful year. The Association took some bold decisions in an attempt to grow the sport and these decisions proved to be the right ones. Substantial interest was generated and participation from previous years grew”, explained Pierre Zammit Endrich, President, Malta Mountain Bike Association. “We improved on existing routes and introduced new ones, seeking to increase technical routes whilst at the same time ensuring that newcomers to the sport are not deterred by impossible courses”.

The BDO Malta National Points Series will see at total of five cross country race events scheduled to take place between January and May, with the Series coming to an end with a National Championship race. Riders will be split into six categories – Elite, Open, Ladies, Masters Over 40, Masters Over 50, Juniors.

The Association announced that it would be introducing the first Cross Country challenges for U/12 and U/15 riders who will be given 2 and 3 laps, respectively of a 1km – non-technical loop.

The Cross Country National Points Series is sponsored by BDO Malta and supported by PASH The Healthy Option, SIS (Carm. & Co. Ltd.), H2only (Island Beverages Ltd.), Camilleri Marine Ltd., AF Sign Studio, The Cyclist, Wheel Wizard and Magri Cycles.

The Association has also announced the calendar for Downhill Mountain Biking events.

Races will be held at Wardija (17 February), Selmun (31 March), Dwejra (21 April), Gnejna (12 May) and a venue still to be announced (26 May).

Association members will also be taking part in a number of international commitments, most notably the Etna Extreme and Hero Sella Ronda UCI Marathon. Mountain Biking events will also be included in the European Small Nations Cycling Championships which will take place in Malta, in June.