On Sunday, Maltese Triathlete and Double Ironman Fabio Spiteri became the first Maltese, together with three other Italian cyclists,  to cycle along the Sicily coastline, which extends across 1000kms,  in just three days. 

This feat comes nearly a year to the date when Spiteri completed his Double Ironman Challenge (7.6km swim, 360km cycle, 84km run) and established the current national record.  

For this epic three-day challenge, Spiteri was joined by three Sicilian Ultra Cyclists - Daniele Tusa, Adriano Tusa and Valerio Longo.

The three-day course started from the historic fishing port on Sicily's south coast, Sciacca from where they covered 387km for their first stop in Acireale.  The first day was going to be the longest. On day two it was onto Cefalu covering a further 285km, whilst the last stop saw them complete a full circle to return back to Sciacca to cover the final distance of 284km.  

Sicily, known for its breathtaking terrain and landscapes, nevertheless offers some unforgiving routes.  If the chosen course was not brutal enough, the cyclists had to content with high head winds which faced them for two thirds of the journey.  In total the cyclists covered 1,000km and experienced a total elevation of 8,000m.

"As an endurance athlete, that has been practicing such challenges for a number of years, the Sicily in 3 Days Challenge saw me having to dig very deep into my mental strength reserves as well as suffer some painful blisters," explained Fabio Spiteri at the end of the course. "This challenge, apart from attempting to break the existing record, was also to put in mileage and effort so my body can continue to adapt in preparation for my next challenge which is the Triple Ironman".

Spiteri aims to be the first Maltese athlete to undertake the Triple Ironman which will consist of an 11.4km swim, 540km bike and a 126km run. The race will take place on the 27th July.

Fabio Spiteri is being supported by Garmin Malta, Eurosport Malta, Wheel Wizard, Millennium Clinics, Mosta Tri Club, Festina, 24/7 Fitness Club, Go & Fun and General Automation Services.