The Mountain Bike season kicked off last Sunday with the traditional season opener race in Pembroke.

Under a constant drizzle and in strong winds, the riders raced from near the BMX track down to the Pembroke ranges, a circuit which is mainly rocky terrain with technical downhills and leg breaking uphill single tracks.

Different categories were held to cater for various biking abilities with the Elite category fielding Malta’s top bikers.

From the start Maurice Formosa and Jason Vella took the lead into the first technical downhill, they led the group to the first uphill of the day.

It was Etienne Bonello who set the race on fire right from the first lap as he surged past the front runners to break clear to the front.

Only Vella tried to respond to Bonello’s acceleration; however the former failed to keep up with Bonello as Vella struggled through a technical section.

Vella was joined by Formosa as the duo tried to reel in Bonello who was hitting the hammer in front. He managed to fend off his chasers as he cruised his way to victory in a 51:56. Vella lost the battle for second place as Formosa crossed the line in 52:44 and Vella in 52:55.

The ladies category saw the return to local racing of Stephania Magri who has spent the last four seasons in the UK.

She covered the four-lap race in 42.10, with Marie Claire Aquilina who  is still chasing her form in second place in 43:31 and Donatelle Camilleri in 51:25.

In the Sports category it was the day for Cliff Sultana who produced an excellent race; he was followed by Eman Scicluna and Keith Schembri.

Kevin Muscat won the Masters category followed by Gozitan rider Louis Debattista.

The next mountain bike race will be held on Sunday 12 February at Mizieb.