Malta will be represented in the forthcoming Triathlon Championships of the Small States of Europe (TCSSE), to be held next Sunday in Luxembourg, by Keith Galea, Steve Chetcuti, Danica Bonello Spiteri, Michelle Vella Wood, Rudolph Agius and Johanna Calleja who all registered strong performances in the Selection Race organised by the Malta Triathlon Association recently.

The Selection Race, held in Xemxija, attempted to mimic the same type of route athletes will be covering during the forthcoming TCSSE. Changing from the usual venue of Salina to Xemxija proved to be challenging both in terms of race logistics as well as athletes who had to tackle a tough cycling route on the St. Paul’s Bay bypass. 

The race, which covered Olympic Distances (1.5k swim, 40k cycle and 10k run) was well attended with 27 athletes completing the full distance, whilst another 30 athletes joined forces forming a total of six relay teams.

Birkirkara St Joseph Triathlete and Duathlon Champion Keith Galea maintained his unstoppable form, winning the race in 2 hours, 13 minutes, 6 seconds comfortably securing his place in the Malta Team.

Galea was followed closely by fellow team mate Steve Chetcuti who came in second place in 2 hours 15 minutes, 54 seconds.

Third placed was Athleta Pembroke’s Brian Magri who crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds.  

In the females’ category, current Triathlon and Duathlon champion St Patrick’s AC Danica Bonello Spiteri showed consistency dominating all segments of the race, although closely challenged by Birkirkara St Joseph’s Michelle Vella Wood who followed closely behind, narrowing the gap in the bike segment.

Vella Wood finished second, just 3 minutes, 32 seconds behind Bonello Spiteri, clocking 2 hours, 32 minutes, 48 seconds.

Third in the females segment was Birkirkara St Joseph athlete Johanna Calleja who completed the course in 2 hours, 41 minutes, 18 seconds. 

The race was supported by J. Spiteri & Sons Co. Ltd., Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club and was marshalled and supervised by a good number of volunteers from the local clubs.

Team Malta will be competing in the Foyer Triathlon International of Echternach (Luxembourg) against athletes representing the Small States of Europe namely – Luxembourg, Cyprus, Monaco, Andorra, Iceland, Leicthenstein and San Marino.