In one of the longest Malta cycling events running over 100 kms, a determined Etienne Bonello, 2002 cycling champion, struck a winning attitude when in a continuous duel and with a final sprint, he pipped recent GSSE bronze medal winner Roderick Muscat at the post on the Zurrieq Circuit.

The race is the last of the three Mass Starts which feature in the Malta Championship Calendar for 2005.

The atmosphere was almost ideal; no wind, a mild sun and a dry road surface – unfortunately part of the road surface was far from perfect.

From the three main cycling clubs, on the list, there were 63 applicants but the actual starters were in fact just 40.

The Federation should regulate on this discrepancy which involves useless waste of scarce organisational resources from members who show little respect for honouring their commitments. One cyclist was allowed to ride when his name was cancelled in his club’s applications list.

Mustering took place at 7am as this is a longer race than usual and the federation is anxious to avoid encroaching on the use of essential public roads.

John Zammit, the Chief Commissaire of the race, called on those present to line up and show that they are in full agreement with the regulatory numbering.

The first starters were Juniors (16 to 19) and Elite (20 to 40). Six minutes later three other categories – Ladies, Masters (males 40 to 49) and Veterans (50+) took off. These had six laps, four less than the elite to cover. With them, there were also the Under 15s (alas all male) who faced three laps.

The rough part of the course took several victims: the worse hit was Dermot Galea who fell twice, broke essential parts of his bike, which he had to change twice, grazed several parts of his body but was adamant in completing the full race and should receive honorable mention since he arrived fifth in the hard fought Elite class.

The tough course also broke the spirit of several riders who were forced by sheer physical tiredness from completing the full race.

The federation is grateful to the sponsor Centre Point Cycling, one of whose directors was a keen follower of the race, the Malta Police Force, the team of voluntary Time Keepers and the group of marshalls who helped to control the route.