The Malta Triathlon Association will be organizing its first event for the 2008 season this next Sunday at the Mtarfa By-Pass. As usual at this time of the year (when the sea temperature makes sea swims a matter for the brave), the MTA takes the opportunity to hold the ‘dry-tri’ or, as it is better known, the Duathlon.

A Duathlon race involves two disciplines – running and cycling – but the run is divided into two parts and the cycle segment inserted in the middle.

The Duathlon is favoured by those whose weak discipline is the swim or who feel that swimming is alien to their concept of training or racing.

Internationally, Duathlon is a big multi-event sports, attracting national and corporate sponsorships. Yet it still falls under the umbrella of the International Triathlon Union and, although Triathlon made its triumphant entry into the Olympic fold eight years ago during the Sydney Olympics, there is little chance that Duathlon, despite its growing popularity, will follow suit. There are several reasons for this, not least of all is the IOC’s determination to shed sports rather than add new ones.

Sunday’s race will start at 7.30am and is meant to attract beginners as well as give a timely reminder for those who had a long break that it’s time to don those training shoes again.

The distances are: Run: 3.4km; Bike: 15km; Run: 3.4km.

With Dermot Galea (2007 Triathlon and Duathlon champion) out of the running because of a lingering chest infection that scuppered his hopes to set a national record at Ironman Australia last December, Sunday’s winner is likely to prove an interesting tussle between Brian Magri, Fabio Spiteri and Keith Galea.

The women’s event should be equally fascinating, with the current champion, Danica Spiteri facing stiff opposition from last year’s rookie and runner-up, Donatelle Callus. The race will be a ‘warm-up’ for the Duathlon Championships scheduled for the end of March as well as a test for the national team which will be taking part in the African Triathlon Championships in the first week of March in Tunisia.

The Mtarfa Duathlon is sponsored by Kristal Water and The Plum Tree Restaurant, while the safety aspect will be in the hands of Saint James Hospital. The Malta Triathlon Association is also assisted by the Mtarfa Local Council.