The cycling racing season kicked off last Sunday with the classic season opener Qormi to Dingli Individual time trial which was organised by Qormi Cycling Club and sponsored by KIA Motors, Bank of Valletta and Maxin Energy Drinks.

The route measured just over 10 km and passed from Mriehel Bypass to Attard, up to Saqqajja hill through Rabat and all the way to Dingli which had an inclination that made the race very hard.

The riders were set off at one minute intervals to cover the course as fast as they could. The hill at Saqqajja made everyone suffer and it was there that the strongest riders showed their good form as they pedalled up the hill in an impressive pace.

Over 60 riders from four different clubs took the challenge who transformed the event in an exhilarating and exciting race for the spectators who spread on the course.

Team Greens and current time trial national champion Etienne Bonello delivered an impressive ride to cover the distance in 17:20, he was followed by team mate Fabio Spiteri in 18:18 while Johann Vassallo of Melita Pedal Power clocked the third best time with 18:21.

Donatelle Callus of Melita Pedal Power won the ladies category with Stephania Magri and Danica Spiteri in second and third spot.

Carmel Sammut of Mosta AF Sign Studio won the masters category followed by Brian Magri (Team Greens) and Nicky Farrugia (Mosta AFSS). Emanuel Bezzina (Mosta AFSS) clocked the best time in the over 50 followed by Charles Sammut (Team Greens) and Anthony Borg (Qormi KIA).

James Dimech, Daniel Borg and Robert Attard all of Mosta topped the under 15 category while Andre Abela (Mosta AFSS) and Karl Fenech (Melita PP) finished first and second amongst the Juniors.

Next cycle race will be a team time trial organised by Greens cycling club next Sunday at Bahar ic-Caghaq Coast road.

Further details can be obtained by visiting the club’s web page www.teamgreens.com