The cycling racing season kicked off with the classic season opener - the Qormi to Dingli individual time trial which was organised by the Malta Cycling Federation.
The inclined route measured just over 10 km and passed from Mriehel Bypass to Attard, up Saqqajja Hill through Rabat and all the way to Dingli .
The riders were set off at one minute intervals to cover the course as fast as they could. The hill at Saqqajja made everyone suffer and it was there that the strongest riders showed their good form as they pedaled up the hill in an impressive pace.
Over 70 riders from seven different clubs took the challenge who transformed the event in an exhilarating and exciting race for the spectators who spread on the course. Team Greens prevailed after a show of force taking all three podium places in the Elite Category with the current time trial national champion Etienne Bonello delivering an impressive ride to cover the distance in 19:15, he was followed by team mates Jason Vella in 19:35 and Christopher Gatt in 19:44
Team Greens also topped the charts in the Ladies category with Marie Claire Aquilina, while Michelle Vella Wood of Birkirkara St Joseph was second and Danica Bonello Spiteri third.
Bernard Azzopardi and Terrance Lauri both of Greens were the first two riders in the Junior Category followed by Nicholas Zammit of Mosta AF Sign Studio.
Brian Magri and Joseph Bonello, also of Greens, finished first and second in the Masters category. They were followed by Mark Schembri of Mosta AF Sign Studio.
In the over 50 category, Joe Mallia of Qormi CC took the honours, followed by William Brydon (B’kara St Joseph) and Mario Brincat (Mosta AF Sign Studio).
Emanuele Camilleri (Mosta AF Sign Studio) won the category for riders over 60 with George Abela (Qormi) in second place.
Martina Pizzuto , Martina Sciberras, Nina Zammit all of Mosta AF Sign Studio topped the U-15 girls category while Kurt Muscat, Andrea Lucia and Mark Farrugia topped the U-15 boys category for Mosta AF Sign Studio. A number of riders from the Mosta AF Sign Studio Nursery also rode a reduced distance of the race.
The race was run smooth with the assistance of the Malta Police, Dingli Local Council and Club and Federation volunteers and officials.