Malta’s veteran cyclist Etienne Bonello said that he is driven by his desire to inspire youngsters to the sport of cycling.
Bonello was speaking with Ben Camille during this week’s edition of GAMEON and said that the sport is practised in Malta by cyclists as young as six years old up to 80-year-olds.
“Cycling is one of the most fascinating sport and enjoys a lot of following,” Bonello said.
“Our sport is one of the most practised not only in Europe but also in the world.
“If you take the Tour de France, this race is the third most popular event in the world. In Malta we have children who take the sport from a very young age but we also have cyclists who are 80-year-olds who still go out with their bicycle.”
Bonello said that throughout his career he experienced some great experiences but also disappointments. However, he said that one of his biggest goals is to try and be a rolemodel for young cyclists.
“In cycling, as with any other sport, I have enjoyed some great experiences but there were also races that didn’t go as planned,” Bonello said.
“But when I have a bad race, I make sure that I react in the right way as I know that I have to be of a good example to make young cyclists who look up to me.
“This is a very important responsibility for us established athletes as our behaviour can help to attract more youngsters practice our sport.”
Hottest games predictions
The challenge between Ben Camille and Times of Malta Sports Editor Valhmor Camilleri is heating up, as they continue trying to predict the results of the hottest games happening this weekend.
How did they do last week?
Valhmor Camilleri continued to extend his lead after week 11 of the hottest games of the week challenge.
In fact, Valhmor Camilleri managed to predict that Inter would beat Verona 2-0 last weekend while also guessing that the top-of-the-table clash from the English Premier League between Manchester City and Liverpool would finish in a draw to collect 50 points.
On the other hand, Ben Camille managed to guess that Inter would have the better of Verona to end the week with 10 points.
Total Scores after week 10
In the overall standings, Valhmor Camilleri leads the way with 460 points while Ben Camille is trailing with 330 points.
We will keep you updated with a tally of their scores every week. A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.
Hibernians vs Ħamrun Spartans (Saturday at 17.30)
Hibernians and Ħamrun Spartans will renew their rivalry when they face each other in the FA Trophy quarter-finals.
The Paolites and the Spartans have already met three times this season, with Hibernians winning the first-round clash 1-0 while the corresponding second-round fixture ended in a goalless draw.
The Spartans finally had the better of Hibernians 2-1 in the Top Six.
While the Paolites will be looking to remain on course for a league and cup double, on the other hand the Spartans are desperate to reach the semi-finals as they look to stay in contention to qualify for European football this summer.
No doubt, a fascinating tie is in prospect with extra-time and penalties to be played if the match finishes in a draw after the regular 90 minutes.
Ben Camille’s prediction: Hibernians vs Ħamrun Spatans 1-1.
Valhmor Camilleri’s prediction: Hibernians vs Ħamrun Spartans 0-0.
Manchester City vs Liverpool (Saturday at 17.30)
Liverpool will put their unprecedented quadruple bid on the line against treble-chasing Manchester City on Saturday in an FA Cup semi-final that will make or break one club’s dream of football immortality.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are in contention to become the first English team to win all four major trophies in one season.
They lifted the League Cup in February and advanced to the last four of the Champions League after surviving a late scare in their quarter-final second leg against Benfica on Wednesday.
With Liverpool expected to see off Spanish side Villarreal in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition, it is Premier League leaders City who will provide the major obstacle to their ambitions.
City are just one point ahead of their title rivals in the Premier League with seven games left after last weekend’s 2-2 draw.
Pep Guardiola’s team are also in the hunt for the Champions League crown and could face Liverpool in the final if they beat Real Madrid in the semis.
City have a rare feat of their own to aim for as they seek to become only the second English side to win the prized treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Ben Camille’s prediction: Man. City vs Liverpool 2-1.
Valhmor Camilleri’s prediction: Man. City vs Liverpool 1-1.
Roma vs Napoli (Monday at 19.00)
Napoli will be looking to keep the pace with Serie A pacesetter AC Milan and Inter when they host Roma on Saturday.
The Partenopei come into the match on the back of a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina that denied them the chance to go top of the Italian Serie A.
After both Milan and Inter clinched victories in the Italian Serie A on Friday, the onus is now on Napoli to get back to winning ways and remain within touching distance their title rivals.
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti will expect his players to show their real character and determination to step up their fight in this delicate part of the season.
However, they will be aware that they face another major obstacle in a Roma side who are still in the hunt for a place in next season’s Champions League.
The Giallorossi head into the match in high spirits after in midweek they brushed aside Bodo-Glimt 4-0 in the UEFA Conference League to reach the semi-finals of UEFA’s new cup competition.
Ben Camille’s prediction: Napoli vs Roma 0-0.
Valhmor Camilleri’s prediction: Napoli vs Roma 2-0.
Do you reckon you can beat Ben and Valhmor? Let us know your predictions for this weekend’s hottest matches in the comments below.
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