Silver Spiteri at Challenge Poznan, Poland - Maltese contingent with remarkable results

Fabio Spiteri claimed another international podium finish in a middle distance triathlon when he clocked 4 hours 30 minutes and 43 seconds at the recently held Challenge Poznań in Poland.  Spiteri clinched a silver medal in the 40-44 Age Group. 

Spiteri was accompanied by strong contingent from Malta attended the recently held Challenge Poznan, where thousands of athletes from all over the world competed in various triathlon distances. 

With the event taking place around the Maltańskie Lake, the Maltese contingent garnered a lot of interest with Spiteri being interviewed by local media. 
 
Challenge Poznań route is considered to be one of the fastest triathlon routes in the world and has resulted in excellent results over the three years since its inception.
 
Whilst the lake where the swim took place is relatively shielded, weather conditions were nevertheless tough as it was cold and windy  - similar to Maltese winters. 

 Spiteri completed the first segment of the triathlon with a steady swim, followed by an approximate 1 kilometre dash into the transition area. A quick change in transition  and Spiteri headed out for the cycle segment, which was held on a very fast, flat course out of the city.   Spiteri’s strength on the bike could be clearly seen with his speed averaging 39km/hour to complete the cycling segment in 2 hours 20 minutes seconds.  With a podium finish becoming more of a reality, Spiteri’s athletics background came into play for him to finish the half marathon in 1 hour 28 minutes and securing a silver medal in the process.  
 
“It has been my dream to secure a podium place in one of these triathlon events, today this dream has become a reality. Months of hard work have finally paid off”, said Spiteri after the Race. “Apart from the result, the support from the Maltese contingent was amazing and definitely provided that extra boost needed when fatigue starts to kick in. I am grateful towards my sponsors who help make these events possible. 

 Spiteri’s performance saw him secure 11th overall place from over 1,000 athletes.  Spiteri’s next international commitment will be Ironman 70.3 in Budapest in August.
 
The Maltese Contingent was made up of Neil Markham and Matthew Ellul who undertook the Standard Distance Race (1.5k swim, 40km cycle, 10k run) and Fabio Spiteri,  Josef Bonavia, Glen Zammit, Kevin Muscat, Frank Ellul, Stephen Banavage, Kenneth Camilleri, Ben Mifsud and Victor Sammut under took the Half Iron distance covering 1.9k swim, 90km cycle and 21km run. 

Write by Maria Vella-Galea