Italian cyclist Francesco Pizzo and Dutch Anne De Wildt were the winners of the first stage of the Tour of Malta which kicked off yesterday with a 32 kilometre time trial on the Coastline circuit. Despite very strong winds, the cyclists taking part in the time trial obtained very good results. Pity that about 20 cyclists who were due to cross from Sicily to Malta on the catamaran did not arrive because of bad weather, with the result that the number of cyclists who took part in this first stage were nearly 70.

Mr Steve Calleja of Twistees signalled the start of the time trial with the first cyclist off being Maltese girl Stephania Magri. In the female category, Anne De Wildt of Noord Holland finished in first place with a time of 56 minutes and eight seconds. Sara Gamoyson from the English team Squadre Donne was second two minutes behind, while Kay Hack of the Ulster Cycling Club was third in 58 minutes and 22 seconds.

In the men’s category, Maltese cyclist Etienne Bonello was very unlucky to miss a place on the podium by a mere one second, finishing fourth in 49 minutes and 52 seconds. Francesco Pizzo, hailing from the Sicilian Club Squadra Electro System, registered an excellent time of 48 minutes and 21 seconds to win the time trial. Marcus Christie of the Ulster Cycling Club was second in 49 minutes and 45 seconds, while another cyclist from the same Irish club, Ryan Connor, was third in 49 minutes and 51 seconds, only one second faster than Etienne Bonello.

Naxxar Mayor Dr Maria Deguara presented the medals as well as the overall leader’s red jersey to the winners at the end of the time trial.

The Tour of Malta’s second stage today will be a 100 kilometre road race on the San Martin circuit.