The Tour of Malta gets under way today with the participation of Dutch, Norwegian, Italian and British rider as well as the locals.

They will be taking part in different categories which will, for the first time, include the Elite Pro, because of the participation of the foreign professional teams.

These are Danish club Team Christina Watches Onfone and Norwegian team One-co Mesterhus.

The six local clubs are Greens, Mosta CC, Melita, B’Kara SJ, The Cyclist CC and Agones Orchid CC.

The Tour’s programme is as follows:

Today: 25km time trial on the Coast Road

Tomorrow: 80km road race at the San Martin circuit

Saturday: 60km road race at the Nadur, Gozo, circuit

Sunday: 12km time trial at the Zebbug circuit (final event)

The event is sponsored by Christina Watches, 202 Jewellery and the Malta Tourism Authority.