Newcomer Julian Harding Smashes Sprint Triathlon Course Record

Julian Harding was the star of the show in Salina on Sunday morning when, the former national team swimmer competed in his first triathlon race. Harding was the outright winner after a very collected performance on the coast road.

Harding was the first out of the water, clocking 9 mins 27 seconds before proceeding onto the 20km bike course keeping a comfortable distance ahead of possible podium contenders Kai Azzopardi and Christopher Fenech. Harding kept the pace to keep the gap before smashing the existing course record (59 mins 17 sec), set previously by Shaun Galea in September 2019.. Harding won the race in 58 minutes 38 seconds.

Second to finish was Kai Azzopardi. Fourteen year old Kai graduated from the Malta Youth Triathlon Academy to compete in his first sprint triathlon race, having previously competed in the youth categories. Kai was second out of the water and kept his placing until the very end of the race. In third place was TriGozo athlete Christopher Fenech.

In the Females’ Category Lara Buttigieg took the lead in the swim and kept in front of the female’s group till the very end, to finish the race in 1 hour 8 minutes 40 seconds.

Behind Buttigieg was Pia Zammit who clocked a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 56 seconds – a substantial improvement over her 2020 season. In third place was Denise Cortis, who although was the fourth female out of the water she made up for it with a steady bike segment and a determined run.

“It was good to see the triathlon crowd racing again, in spite of a slight delay in the start of the season. We are grateful for the support and assistance shown by the Health Authorities and SportMalta as well as Transport Malta which enabled us to host this event. Heartfelt thanks goes to the police officers from Birkirkara and Naxxar districts as well as the Naxxar Local Council.

Thank you goes to the athletes who eager to compete followed all the necessary protocols to ensure a safe racing environment” explained Euchar Camilleri, Secretary General, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club.

The Go & Fun BSJ Sprint Triathlon Series are supported by Go & Fun Energy Drink Malta and held under the auspices of the Malta Triathlon Federation. The next race will take place on Sunday 18th July at 0730hrs in Salina.