The fifth edition of the Safi Duathlon, organised by Agones SFC and sponsored by Eurosport Malta, was the first multisport event for the 2018 season.
Held in Safi, the race was endorsed by the Malta Triathlon Federation and valid for the Triathlete of the Year point system. The race, which is run on a relatively flat course, attracted four six athletes who had to complete a 4.4km run (2 loops), 18km cycle (8 loops) and 2.2 km run (1 loop). Due to the race being draft legal, a separate start was held for Males and Females.
Gozitan Michael Bongailas sealed his first win for the season when he completed the course in a time of 55 minutes 47 seconds. Bongailas was second in transition after newcomer to multisport Jesrit Angel Camilleri who clocked the fastest first run. Third in transition was Malcolm James Vassallo. The cycling segment showed current National Triathlon Champion Graham Borg's strength in this discipline where he registered the fastest split, climbing up to first place. Despite Borg's efforts Bongailas gave a determined run to beat Borg by a mere four seconds. Third placed was veteran Kevin Muscat.
"I was well prepared for this tough race, both mentally and physically. I was particularly pleased with my bike leg and happy to have finished with a solid run. Contending with Malta's best triathlete Graham Borg really made me push out of my comfort zone" - Michael Bongailas, first male.
The Ladies category saw Anjelika Ruggier give strong performances in the run segments to register the fastest times on the course, however, her performance on the bike proved costly and saw her slip to fourth place. A solid showing by Lara Buttigieg on the bike saw her gain precious time enabling her to a comfortable win. Second and Third placed were Dzintra Grech and Bronwyn Hunter, two new faces in the multisport fold.
"A tough race, having to try and narrow the wide gap that Anjelika Ruggier established in the first run. A fast transition saw me catch up with her but was kept on my toes by Dzintra Grech who kept closed and responded well to my attacks. It was only on the last three laps that I managed to widen the gap. I had to really dig deep in the second run but all in all the girls were amazing and it was such a great experience - a big thank you to the organisers Agones SFC and Elite Sports Triathlon Training Team which provide me with great training and support throughout the year" - Lara Buttigieg, first female.
At the end of the race prizes were handed out to the winners by Mr. Carlo Stivala, Councillor on the Safi Local Council and Mr. Johann Mifsud, sports co-ordinator at Eurosport Malta.
Agones SFC's next commitment will be the second race of the Eurosport Malta Trail Running League which will take place on the evening of Friday 16th February. More information can be obtained on http://www.agones-sfc.eu/event/agones-sfc-trail-running-league-2018/.