The sixth edition of the Birkirkara St Joseph Triathlon Series started on Easter Saturday.
Following the National Duathlon Championship victory, Malta triathlon champion Dermot Galea notched up his second consecutive victory, smashing the second course record of the season.
Previous champion Danica Spiteri, returned to winning ways in the females category, following a long absence from the sport.
Throughout the race, Dermot Galea was put under continuous pressure by Mark Zammit, who won a couple of races from the 2005 Series.
In fact it was the latter who emerged first from the calm waters of Salina Bay, swimming the 750 metres in 10 minutes 19 seconds. Dermot Galea was second out of the water, starting the 20K bike segment a minute behind the leader. William Brydon was third out of transition area in 11 minutes 37 seconds.
Dermot Galea was clawing back vital seconds on each of the three laps of the 20K cycle, reducing the gap to 17 seconds before the final 5K run. Meanwhile Keith Galea placed himself comfortably in third place following a 32 minutes 12 seconds cycle.
Half way through the run Dermot Galea and Mark Zammit were running abreast. Up to the final 200 metres Zammit countered every move made by the champion. It was at that stage that Galea opened an awesome final attack, literally rocketing himself to victory, a personal best and a course record.
Galea finished in 59 minutes 4 seconds, Zammit in 59 minutes 21 seconds and Keith Galea in one hour, two minutes, 59 seconds.
Danica Spiteri was virtually unchallenged in the females' race. She clocked 13 minutes 27 seconds in the swim, 37 minutes 37 seconds for her cycle and 21 minutes 50 seconds in the run.
She finished the race in one hour, 12 minutes 54 seconds. Michelle Wood was second in one hour, 22 minutes, 6 seconds, while Tara Baldacchino was third in one hour, 23 minutes, 53 seconds.
The only relay team taking part had Davina Mangion doing the swim, Etienne Bonello on the bike and David Galea in the run. Their accumulated time was 56 minutes 18 seconds.
Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club organised the race in collaboration with Red Bull, Burmarrad Commercials, Nextweb, the Emirates, Malta Triathlon Association, Naxxar Local Council and the District Police. The second race of the Series will be held on Sunday 18 June at 7am.