2006 road race national champion Etienne Bonello re-confirmed his time trial title after another outstanding performance at Bahar ic-Caghaq.
The third and final race in the time trial championship was contested over a distance of 33 kilometres. The Bahar ic-Caghaq coast road is the ideal place for time trialling in Malta; it will also feature the opening time trial stage of next year's tour of Malta.
The race itself was very interesting to watch as the competitors were set off at one minute intervals to cover the five laps around the course. Specialised equipment is used in these kinds of races such as aerodynamic helmets, high profile wheels and even rear disc wheels.
These all contribute into a better aerodynamic position which help penetrating the air with the minimum drag possible. Bonello was the fastest on the day as he showed exceptional pedalling style and technique apart from being aided by an excellent form and determination.
He clocked 47:28 averaging around 42km/hr. It was a positive day for Maltese cycling as quite a good number of cyclists registered a personal best on the course. Ramon Grech (Pamsons CC) and Johann Vassallo (Mosta AF Sign Studio) covered the distance in 48:58 and 48:59 respectively.
They both broke the 40km/hr mark, which until some years ago very few riders could keep that speed. Time trialling has gone a step forward in this country and this has been repeatedly proved on foreign grounds with two GSSE medals and lately in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Jack Schiavone covered the 40km distance in an impressive 55:12 setting a new national record, Bonello rode the same distance in 56:02.
Both performances are deemed to be exceptional. Schiavone also won two time trial stages in the tour of Malta earning him the red jersey in both occasions.
Back to the time trial national championship, after the three races Bonello took the overall title with full 600 points followed by Johann Vassallo with 440 and Ramon Grech with 405. Luigi Mifsud (Mosta AFS) was the best junior followed by Adrian Sciberras (Mosta AFS) and Christian Formosa (Pamsons CC).
They scored 530 points each and the total accumulated time had to be considered to determine the podium. Danica Spiteri (Pamsons CC) took the women's title with 600points, she was followed by Michelle Wood (Mosta AFS) and Graziella Muscat (Mosta AFS) with 485 and 315 points.
James Dimech (Mosta AFS) also scored the full points in the Under 15, Stephen Behan (Mosta AFS) scored 505 while Daniel Borg (Mosta AFS) totalled 470.
In the Masters category Emmauel Bezzina (Mosta AFS) took the title with 575 points, followed closely by his teammate Chris Iwanik with 470 points and Pamsons CC's Charles Sammut with 425 points. Lino Fabri
(Pamsons CC) was the strongest amongst the Over 50s with 600 points. Qormi Wurth flag bearer Alfred Camilleri was second with 490 points and Emanuel Brincat (Mosta AFS) third with 330 points.
The championship was made possible with the support of Centrepoint cycles, the traffic police and St John's Ambulance.
Later on this summer, the Malta Cycling Federation will hold its annual presentation ceremony where the stars of the season will be rewarded for their achievements