The Malta Triathlon Association, together with its partners, the B’Kara St Joseph SC and Joseph F. Spiteri & Co (1927) Ltd., will be organising the National Duathlon Championship next Saturday at the Salina Coast Road.

The race, which starts at 2pm, will be held over the following distances: 1st Run: 5km; Cycle: 30km; 2nd Run: 3km.

The women’s race should provide few surprises, with Danica Bonello Spiteri (St Patrick’s AC) likely to carry away the title she has won five times in the past 13 years. Her nearest rivals, Donatelle Callus and Marica Micallef, also of St Patricks AC, should battle it out between them for second and third place.

The men’s race is a far more open affair, with no less than five athletes contending for the top podium placing. With last year’s winner, Dermot Galea, out of the formula, there should be an interesting battle between Fabio Spiteri (St Pat’s), Brian Magri (Pembroke Athleta), Keith Galea (B’Kara St Joseph) and Mark Zammit (Pembroke Athleta).

The biggest surprise of the day, however, may well be the sudden increase in the number of participants.

The race is also sponsored by Kristal Water and The Plum Tree Restaurant, Qawra.