Birkirkara St Joseph’s five times National champion Dermot Galea (photo) took part in the Milton Keynes Triathlon which is part of the British Grand Prix Circuit organised by the British Triathlon Association.

Over 900 triathletes took part in this event with athletes coming from all over England and from countries like Italy and Australia.

With such a big field there were five different waves according to the age-group of the athletes. Galea’s wave set off at 7.20am UK time. The Birkirkara Triathlete covered the first 1,500m of the race in 19mins 45sec.

The bike course was held on a 40km lap which was presumed to be really fast, but on the day Galea discovered that the first half of the course was rather hilly making it hard for him to drop under the hour for this section. He covered the course in 1hr 02mins 45sec.

A quick transition saw Galea moving fast in the first part of the 10K running segment, covering the distance in 38mins 02sec. His overall time was 2hrs 00mins 33sec.

This is Galea’s second best time ever on the Olympic Distance Triathlon. Galea described the race as a hard event albeit a fast one. He was disappointed not to go under the two hour barrier for just a few seconds.

He said that he was fully concentrated in his preparations for this race and he was satisfied with his ninth placing in his category and 29th overall.

The Birkirkara Triathlete is planning to compete in another triathlon on British shores within three weeks, if he manages to raise the necessary funds.