Luke Borg, Marie Claire Aquilina win final race of the National Point Series

Formosa, Aquilina declared series winners

The Malta Mountain Bike Association hosted the final race of its Cisk 0.0 National Point Series. The race, which had been postponed from March due to inclement weather on the day,  took place in Sannat, Gozo. 

The Elite category provided a highly-charged adrenaline-pumping race which saw the winner of the final race of the series decided at the very last metre of the 25km course. 

Playing on home turf and attempting a win on local territory, Gozo Cycling Club riders Brandon Sultana and Stefan Scerri, together with Jason Vella (Agones SFC) shot off to a fast start followed by Luke Borg (The Cyclist), Mark Bonnici (Agones SFC) and Mark Zammit (Mosta Cycling Club). 

Sultana and Bonnici took the lead until a minor crash thwarted Bonnici’s efforts.

In spite of the Gozitan duo’s attempt to lead the pack by the end of the first lap, Borg settled into the front to lead the riders along the route.  

Close behind was Vella and Scerri, the latter moving to the front in the second lap.

Not to be deterred Borg once again took front row.

Borg’s race was continuously challenged by Scerri, who kept hot on Borg’s heels until the very end of the five laps.

Borg and Scerri crossed the line practically together with Borg winning the race by the breath of a whisker.  

Jason Vella followed in third place having chase the duo for most of the race.

In the Sport category, Etienne Cutajar  (Team Greens) had a comfortable win over Josmar Cutajar, whilst in the 40+ Category Stephen Grima (A.S.D. GDS Team Competition) took first place ahead of Justin Gauci (Mosta Cycling Club).

The 50+ Category was topped by Enrico Brandamante (Agones SFC), whilst Marie Claire Aquilina topped the Ladies’ category. 

The Malta Mountain Bike Association also hosted races for the younger riders.

The U-12 (Boys) class was won by Tri Gozo rider Jake Refalo, whilst the U12 (Girls) saw the victory of Nina Debono Curmi (Shamrock Stars).

The U15 (Boys and Girls) category was won by Liam Daly and Zija Fuji both representing Shamrock Stars.

Cyclist’s Ryan Gatt placed first in the the U17 (Boys) category. 

With Ta’ Cenc being the final race of the series, Maurice Formosa was declared overall winner.  The other overall titles went to Marie Claire Aquilina (Ladies), Etienne Cutajar (Sport), Justin Gauci (40+) and Enrico Brandamante (50+).

In the youth series, the overall winners were Julian Bugeja and Nina Debono in the U-12 class, Liam Daly and Zija Fuji in the U-15 age-group and Ryan Gatt topped the boys’ U-17 section.

Malta Mountain Bike Association treasurer Edward Enriquez presented the winners with their medals and thanked sponsors Cisk 0.0 for their invaluable support.   

RESULTS

Elite class (5 laps): 1. Luke Borg (The Cyclist) 1:12:29; 2. Stefan Scerri (Gozo Cycling Club) 1:12.39; 3. Jason Vella (Agones SFC) 1:14:05.

Sport class (3 laps): 1. Etienne Cutajar (Team Greens) 48:33; 2. Josmar Vella 51:29; 3. Ariel Cruz Diaz (Shamrock Stars) 54:06.

40+ class (3 laps): 1. Stephen Grima (ASD Team Competition) 45:59; 2. Justin Gauci (Mosta Cycling Club) 47:08; 3. Gordon Zahra 49:04.

50+ (3 laps): 1. Enrico Bradamante 51:09.

Ladies (3 laps): 1. Marie Claire Aquilina (Team Greens) 51:02; 2. Diana Muscat (Team Greens 54:59; 3. Felicienne Cini (Gozo Cycling Club) 57:29.