Maltese cyclists make podium despite foreign dominance in Tour of Malta start

The first day of the 27th Edition of the Malta Cycling Tour, with the participation of several local and foreign cyclists, saw two Maltese cyclists finish on the Podium in spite of foreign dominance at the start of the tour.

The first stage of the tour consisted of an Individual Time Trial on the Fleur-de-Lys circuit over a distance of 2.5km per kilometer where all the cyclists did six laps for a total distance of 15 kilometers.

The main focus was on the Elite category where Frenchman Julien Laidoun of Pedale Suipasse came in first place in a total time of 21 minutes and 10 seconds. Only two seconds later another Frenchman, Antoine Magaud of Uni Sport Lamentinois finished, while in third place the Italian Simone Cerio of ASD Team Simo Bike finished in a time of 21 minutes and 29 seconds.

The Women’s category was won by French Catheline Ramonet of Team France Clubs Defense in a time of 24 minutes and 52 seconds. Three seconds after her, her partner Johanna Brocco entered. The Maltese Marie Claire Aquilina of Team Greens finished third in 25 minutes and 17 seconds.

In the Masters category, Daniele Lazzari of ASD Team Simo Bike finished in first place in a time of 22 minutes and 12 seconds. Etienne Bonello of Team Greens finished eleven seconds behind him, while Edmond Irwin of Cinnamon Cafe Saddle Drunk RT UK came in third position in a time of 22 minutes and 55 seconds.

At the end of this stage, Mr. Joe Bajada, Secretary of the organising committee, presented the medals and the red shirt to the winners.

The Tour of Malta continues on Saturday with the second stage which will be a race on the San Martin circuit where the Elite will do 10 laps for a distance of 88 kilometers, while the Women and the Masters will do 6 laps for a distance of 53 kilometers.

On Sunday, the last stage hosts a race on the Haz-Zebbuġ Bypass circuit where the Elite will do 15 laps for a distance of 63.5 kilometers, while the Women and the Masters will do 12 laps for a distance of 43 kilometers. The departure of the three tapes is at 8:00 in the morning.

The Tour of Malta is being held under the auspices of the Maltese Cycling Federation and this year it will be supported by the Eastern Regional Council which is designated as ‘The European Sports Region for the year 2023’ from ACES – European Capitals and Cities of Sport.