Some of Malta's top mountain bikers will the undertaking the challenging and gruelling Mount Etna Marathon Tour between the 4th and 8th September.
The Etna Marathon Tour (EMT) is a multi-stage mountain bike race that will take place over five days and racing format consists of two-person teams, taking part in one of the five categories. The Race only allows for fifty teams to take part and racing will include a time trial and four stages with over 260 kilometers of off-road terrain and 8.000 metres of vertical gain.
"Whilst the longest distance covered in one day is 68kms, one has to factor in the terrain, single track and volcanic soil, very hard climbs and tricky downhills - and all in all 8,000 metres of vertical gain. To put this in layman's terms, this is double what one experiences on road races. Moreover, the terrain does not allow for standing up and getting some respite. This is pure mountain biking! " explained Mark Bonnici.
Malta's team, who will join another 8 nations and a number of professional riders, will be made up of Mark Bonnici / Marie Claire Aquilina (Mixed), Brandon Sultana / Andre Meeuwsen (Men), Anton Muscat / Clive Ebejer (Masters 1) whilst National Mountain Bike Champion Maurice Formosa / Patrick Scicluna will be competing in the most competed Category Masters 2.
"Apart from the terrain, the two-person race format is challenging in itself, since the team must remain together for the entire length of the race and may not ride more than two minutes apart at any time." Continued to explained Patrick Scicluna " Both riders must complete the course with no external assistance, so they must ensure that any mishaps along the route are fixed between them".
This is not the first time that Malta has fielded riders in this challenge. Patrick Scicluna and Maurice Formosa will be returning to the field, having produced some very strong results in the past. However, this is the first time that a female cyclist will be taking part. Indomitable Marie Claire Aquilina, a brave and fearless rider, is expected give a strong performance. The rest of the team have been building up experience, with their continuous participation in the Malta Mountain Bike Association National Points Series.
Enervit Malta will be providing nutritional assistance to the team. The event is organized under the auspices of the Italian Cycling Federation (the FCI) and under UCI rules. The Maltese riders can be followed on http://www.etnamarathontour.it/
Etna Marathon
Towards the end of September, the same riders will be joined by a number of other Maltese riders on the start line of the Etna Marathon, which this year has achieved UCI MTB Marathon Series Status and will therefore attract the top Marathon PRO Riders from around the World. Maltese riders have been taking part in the Etna Marathon since 2012.