MTF to hold National Duathlon Championships

The Malta Triathlon Federation will be organising the National Duathlon Championships on Saturday 18th May on the Zebbug By Pass (Mdina Road).

The format of this year’s race will be in line with International and European Triathlon Union standards and will see athletes competing on a distance of a 10KM run, 40KM cycle and a final 5KM run. 

This race, which starts at 16:00, will also serve as a selection race for the National Triathlon Team for the forthcoming months. 

Slots will also be offered for the placing athletes to partecipate in the imminent European Championships to be held in Alanya, Turkey. 

As has been the case in past races, the Federation is expecting a very good turnout, also due to the fact that this race will carry double points in the 'Triathlete of the Year Award Scheme’, for a maximum of 200 points.

Whilst the growth in participation numbers is still registering a steady increase, the race will see a number of experienced athletes battling it out for the title. 

Current Champions Keith Galea and Danica Bonello Spiteri are expected to give a good fight as they battle it out against Fabio Spiteri, Rudolph Agius, Graham Borg and Michelle Vella Wood, Johanna Calleja, Hannah Pace and Donatelle Camilleri in their respective categories. 

In order to engage a wider spectrum of athletic capability and interest the Federation is also hosting a ‘Half Distance’ event as well as Relay Pursuit, where Relay teams, composed of two athletes, with a cyclist and a runner doing both running splits.

“The Federation is proud of its achievements in the field of multi-sport, notwithstanding the challenges we face in being a ‘small’ Federation we keep seeing a large growth in participation as well as an increase in the level of the athletic performance” said Cyprian Dalli, president of the Malta Triathlon Federation. 

“We want to keep encouraging all athletes, irrespective of their capabilities, to take part in our races and keep the motivation going, whilst at the same time focusing on our top athletes who have given very solid performances abroad, giving Malta a good name with our International counterparts”

Race Briefing will be held on Friday 10th May at the Malta Triathlon Federation offices at the KMS Tal-Qroqq National Pool. No Registrations will be accepted by the Federation after the 15th May.

The Race is being held with the assistance of Joseph F Spiteri & Co (1927) Ltd, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club. 

The Zebbug By Pass (from SMW Cortis to Ta’Qali Roundabout) will be closed for traffic in both directions on Saturday 18th May from 4pm until 8:30pm. 

The general public is kindly asked to take note and avoid this road during the time indicated. 

Further information on the race can be obtained by contacting the Malta Triathlon Federation on 79037933 or via email on maltatriathlon@gmail.com.

Maria Vella-Galea