The cycling national championship got underway last Sunday with the first mass start at Ta’ Penellu in Mellieha.

The Ta’ Penellu circuit will also feature in the third stage of the forthcoming Tour of Malta starting next Thursday. It was an excellent idea from the Malta Cycling Federation to host this race prior to the tour as it served as some good preparation for the local riders.

Team Greens rider and defending national champion Etienne Bonello uncovered his cards to win the hard fought race in the final climb. The race itself started fast with Mosta AF Sign Studio going into attack straight from the gun as Adrian Sciberras dashed past the peloton to gain a good lead.

Bonello’s team mate Reuben Colombo worked hard and led in the climbs forcing riders to lose ground; however it was in the second lap that Bonello and Colombo pushed the hammer down dropping most of the peloton with just Patrick Scicluna and Maurice Formosa of Mosta AF Sign Studio holding on.

The four riders kept a steady pace through the remaining laps until the last climb where Bonello took the lead from the bottom and powered his way up. Scicluna attacked Bonello in the last kilometre but it was to no avail as Bonello reacted immediately and jumped off Scicluna’s wheel to ride to the finish. Scicluna had to settle for second and Colombo in third.

Stephania Magri has found her racing form to win the ladies’ race with Danica Spiteri following her closely.

Luigi Mifsud of Mosta had his way amongst the Juniors, Emanuel Bezzina of Mosta was the first Master home followed by Michael Lia (Mosta) and Mark Bugeja (Team Greens).

Charles Sammut (Team Greens) was unmatched amongst the over 50 with Philip Borg and Alfred Camilleri of Qormi just behind.

The Under 15 race was won by James Dimech with Stephen Behan and Joseph Borg all of Mosta AF Sign Studio in second and third place.

Cycling will continue with the 14th International Tour of Malta starting next Thursday with the 30km individual time trial on the coast road route.