Mriehel time trial goes Bonello’s way

Cycling

The time trial national championship entered an interesting phase after Etienne Bonello of Team Greens registered the fastest time at Mriehel last Sunday.

The race proved to be a hot contest between Bonello and up and coming time trialist Wayne Spiteri of Birkirkara St Joseph.

Spiteri, who has dominated the time trial scene this season, had to settle for second place for the first time to the more experienced Bonello who used his late starting time to his advantage.

Wet and slippery roads characterised the race which slowed down riders to almost a standstill at the turnaround points. Spiteri led the race with a time of 35:56; however Bonello rode his heart out to beat Spiteri for the first time - three seconds faster. Carl Attard of Agones CC was third in 36:58.

Marie Claire Aquilina, of Team Greens, won the ladies race followed by Hannah Pace (The Cyclist CC) and Michelle Vella Wood (Bkara St Joseph). Mosta AF Sign Studio took all honours of the Juniors race with Carl Zuereb, Mark Farrugia and Reuben Sciberras in the first three places.

Kevin Muscat (Qormi), Mark Schembri (Mosta) and Colin Tabone (Greens) concluded the podium for the Masters whilst Joe Mallia (Qormi), Frank Farrugia (Mosta) and Emanuel Bezzina (Mosta) were the best three amongst the 50 + riders.

In the 60+ category, Leli Camilleri (Mosta) finished in front of John Schembri and George Abela of Qormi.

In the U15 category, it was Andrea Lucia (Mosta) who took the honours followed by Isaac Spiteri (Agones) and Nicholas Attard Montalto (The Cyclist).

Mattia Grech won the U15 girls followed by Monica Cutajar and Erika Spiteri Bailey all of Mosta.

A race was also held for members of the cycling nurseries.