Carmel Vella was born in 1946 to Joseph and Antonia Bonnici. He is married to Lydia née Caruana and father of two boys, Kenneth and Marvin.

His early days were passed in Zabbar. “Yes I was brought up in Zabbar with my aunt till the age of five. Then we moved to Qormi and stayed here for good.”

But how was it like during those days? “We used to pass a lot of time outside. At that time there were a few cars with the roads full of pot holes. There was a karozzin (a horse drawn carriage) which used to come on Saturday’s with coal. And I remember being still very young and after having the customary Saturday bath and going to church we used to go and play in this coal area. And you can imagine the state that we used to return home in!”

Education at that time was at a premium with Carmel recounting his school days. “I took my basic education at St George’s School, Qormi. At that time our main focus was to grow up and go to work. In fact at the age of 14 I started working with Pepsi Cola and subsequently moved with Charles Grech. Eventually I went to work with my father.”

And how did Carmel’s interest in cycling start? “I can just say that it was the only sport that I liked. One day, way back 60 years ago, I was coming back from school and stopped to have a look at a cycling shop. There was a man who was recounting his experience in the 1960 Rome Olympics. So I decided to have a go at this sport by buying a bike. After a few months I participated in my first competition, which was a time trial, and I managed to finish third.”

In 1964 Vella was the revelation of the season with his fame spiralling not only in Qormi but all over Malta. In fact, during that season he was made captain of Qormi Cycling Club. “It was difficult to become a champion. You have to train and take it seriously. But I was totally committed and my sacrifices paid off.”

During his short but successful career Vella had good and bad moments. “With regards to bad experiences Vella recounts two incidents. The first one is when I was hit by a bus in Burmarrad Road. In fact after that accident I decided to try and win the Championship and then stop as I was always afraid.”

“The other was when we were involved in an accident in Tal-Barrani Road. Though I wasn’t hit, my colleague finished on the bonnet of another car.”

“Talking about his positive moments, Vella says that winning is always a wonderful experience. This gives you more confidence in making your utmost to win over and over again.”

Carmel’s nickname is Il-Gwerra. But from where did this nickname come? “Way back in my early days there was a famous cyclist, Learco Guerra. Before the races I used to give instructions to my team mates and my friends used to tell me that I look like Guerra giving instructions and always winning. That was how it all started and my nickname remained with me all these years. It has no connection with war.”

Though considered among the best during his days, Vella gives credit to everyone. “There were a lot of good athletes who started over here. Just remember that Qormi Cycling was the first club in Malta. Along the years new clubs emerged as an offspring of the Qormi Cycling club like Floriana, Birkirkara and Hamrun.”

Vella’s participation abroad reached new heights in the years 1964 and 1968 when he participated in the Mediterranean Games. “I took part in Naples and also in Tunis. In Naples I was still a 16-year-old. I was like a lion. But I wanted to better my performance and four years after I took part in Tunis. I think that here we did much better. An interesting episode happened since after our participation, one of the top journalists of the time came over to congratulate us for a good performance. And when back in Malta he wrote that we had a dismal performance. Obviously, we didn’t take it lightly and we put some banners to address this mishap.”

Carmel won the Cycling Sportsman of the Year in 1967. “It was a very good season and this was a great recognition for the work that I had done. All honours are wonderful but I was always a timid and down to earth person and never let success make me a different person.”

But after retiring, did he pursue his interest or he just called it a day? “I was still very young but once I decided to stop, I stopped. Though I still ride the bike and love to cycle around.”

And what’s Carmel’s opinion about the level of cycling on our island and where are we heading? “I think that this sport hasn’t been given its due importance. Over the past years I can see that no progress has been made. People are more into mountain bikes. The reason might be because roads are too crowded. Seeing a race is not the order of the day; it’s a very rare thing.”

Turning to more personal aspects Vella describes a normal day. “Once I wake up I’m off to Church to hear mass and thank God for another day. Sometimes I go to my cousin’s field for some quiet time and then back home for relaxation. These past two years have been a bit hard because of Covid and our movement around has been limited.”

And how does he rate the importance that family life has? “They are everything for me. I thank God that together with my wife we brought up two wonderful kids and gave them all the education possible. In fact Kenneth, a sports journalist, who mainly covers horse racing, is the headmaster at Mater Boni Consilii, St Joseph, Paola whereas Marvin is a teacher at De La Salle College. But to be honest my wife helped the children with their education.”

Carmel mentioned fish as his favourite dish though he also loves an occasional plate of pasta. And what about travel choices? “Undoubtedly the Dolomites, Dobbiaco. Before Covid we used to go there regularly. I also like Medugorje.”

The ex-Malta cycling champion has no particular hobby but during his free time he loves going by the sea or enjoy nature in places which boast of fresh air and green spaces, though in our country these are at a premium.

Vella brought to an end this interview with a clear message. “Sport is very important, it keeps you going and in good health. Wish that I’m mistaken but children today tend to be not so passionate about sport. In my days, after a half day work on a Saturday, I used to go to do a 90-mile race. But times have changed. Though one thing has surely not changed… sport is essential for one’s wellbeing.”