The Malta Independent on Sunday
Ocean Lava Malta triathlon to take place today
The Ocean Lava Malta Triathlon and Malta 113km Triathlon National Championships will take place today on the Salina Coast Road.
The race, which consists of a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21km run will kick off with the swim in Salina Bay. This will be followed by the cycle which will take place on the southbound land of the Salina Coast Road. The 21km / Half Marathon will take place along the Coast Road in the direction of Pembroke.
Approximatley 100 athletes will be taking part in the individual and realy team categories. With last year’s winners, Graham Borg and the recently married Hannah Cutajar (nee Pace) out of the foray, the race will be drawingattention towards triathletes the likes of Rudolph Agius and David Galea – both having won and taken the podium several times in previous editions.
Other triathletes to watch are Josef Bonavia and Gozitan Michael Bongailas, who despite having less experience than Agius and Galea, have slowly gone up the ranks.
In the female categories the race is an open, yet definitely interesting, battle to see who will clinch this year’s title. Only Karen Amato and Anjelika Ruggier, who placed second and fourth placed respectively last year will be returning to this competition this year. The rest of the female athletes will be making their debut in the race this year.
The Relay team category has attracted a number of athletes, strong in their respective disciplines – just a few to mention – Hannah Cutajar (who this year is focusing on swimming challenges), Robert David Vella, Bernard Sant, Felicienne Mercieca, Mark Bonnici, Mark Zammit, Christian Formosa, Josann Attard Pulis, Dillon Cassar, Leigh Marshall shall be battling it out today.
The race is being held under the auspices of the Malta Triathlon Federation.
The organisers remind the public that the southbound lane of the Salina Coast Road (direction Bugibba to Pembroke) will be closed for traffic from 7am until 12.30pm to ensure safe racing conditions for its athletes. Temporary suspension of bus service will also take place. Co-operation is greatly appreciated.