Tour ta’ Malta returns this weekend after two-year absence

First stage scheduled for Friday at Salina Coast Road

The 26th edition of the Tour ta’ Malta will be held this week between Friday and Sunday, where a good number of foreign participants are expected.

The Tour returns after a two-year absence after organisers were forced to postpone it due to COVID-19.

Over the years, the Tour has served as a good opportunity for local cyclists to compete against foreigners to not only gain experience but also to improve their levels.

Apart from local clubs, the foreign legion includes clubs from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium while there will be a debut of the Amore e vita – KIBAG-Obor team which was set up on the initiative of St John Paul II.

The women’s category is set to be a battle between Briton Mathilde Pauls, the 2018 winner, and Marie Claire Aquilina who triumphed in 2016 and 2017.

The three-day Tour gets under way on Friday with a 15km time trial on the Salina Coast Road.

On Saturday, the San Martin circuit will host the second leg which is set to prove decisive for overall victory with an 88km route for the Elite and junior class while the women and the Master will be engaged in a 53km race.

The third and final stage will be held on the Żebbug Bypass circuit over a distance of 63.5km for Elite and Junior and 43km for women and Masters.

In a statement, the Tour organisers thanked various entities including SportMalta, the Maltese Olympic Committee, the respective local councils of Naxxar, San Pawl il-Baħar and Żebbuġ, as well as Transport Malta, the Police Force, Local Guards, ARRTS Timing System, and the Hotel Palace.

“The organisation is calling for the cooperation of the public in terms of road closures so that these events can be held in the best possible safety for cyclists,” the organisers said in a statement.

“They would like to wish every success to the participating Maltese cyclists.”