Etienne Bonello, David Galea and James Cutajar (photo) registered another positive result for Maltese cycling.

The three participated in the Italian Amateur team time-trial championships which were held in Syracuse earlier this summer.

Forty eight three-men teams, divided in three categories, took part in this race. The Maltese trio registered the third best time in their age-group category and fifth overall in the final classification.

A positive result indeed after their previous third place in the Sicilian team time-trial championship which earned them the qualification for this event. Despite the prevailing winds on the day on a relatively flat circuit, the Maltese team covered the 21.6km distance in 28’29” averaging 45.5km/hr.

Team time-trials require a lot of technique and coordination between the riders in order to produce an effective race. Each rider had to share the pace taking turns in front while the others drafted behind keeping an elevated speed.

Peter Gatt, Johann Galea and Jason Vella formed another team finishing the race in 29’31” placing them sixth in their category.