Italian cyclists dominated the second stage of the Tour of Malta when they won the first three places in the men’s category in the 100 km road race on the San Martin circuit. In typical Maltese spring weather, the picturesque countryside at San Martin provided the ideal setting for an exciting race. Italian cyclists Massimo Rubino and Francesco Guccione did not take long to shake off the challenge of the other cyclists and dominate the race from start to finish.

Four cyclists, including Maltese David Galea, could only keep the pace with the two front runners for the first two out of ten laps. Rubino and Guccione finished the race practically hand in hand, with Rubino crossing the finishing line a fraction of a second ahead of Guccione.

Massimo Rubino (Squadra Elettro System) finished first in two hours 26 minutes and 28 seconds, while Francesco Guccione (Ballatore Team) was second in the same time. Three cyclists, including David Galea, fought it out for third place, but in the end it was veteran Filippo Ballatore (Ballatore) who finished third in 2 hours 33 minutes and 18 seconds. David Galea could only finish in fifth place.

Francesco Guccione is the overall leader with an aggregate time of 3 hours 18 minutes and 23 seconds.

In the ladies category, Anne de Wildt (Noord Holland) dominated yet again, finishing a comfortable first in one hour 55 minutes and 28 seconds over a distance of 70 kilometers. Dutch compatriot Claudia Koster (Noord Holland) was second in one hour 58 minutes and 35 seconds, while English girl Iona Sewell (Squadra Donne UK) was third in 2 hours and 27 seconds. Anne de Wildt retained the Tour’s red jersey as overall leader with an aggregate time of two hours 51 minutes and 36 seconds.

The presentation ceremony was conducted by St Paul’s Bay Mayor Graziella Galea.

The Tour of Malta third stage takes place today at Ta’ Pennellu, Mellieha where an 85 km road race will be run.