Magaud closes in on Tour ta’ Malta victory

Antoine Magaud, of Uni Sport Lamentinois, secured a convincing victory in the second stage of the Tour ta’ Malta on Saturday to take the coveted red jersey ahead of today’s final stage.

The French rider is the favourite to win the 27th edition as he is enjoying a commanding advantage of one minute and 51 seconds over Simone Cerio.

This second day consisted of a road race on the San Martin circuit where the Elite completed 10 laps for a total distance of 88km, while the women and the masters riders had 53km.

In the Elite category, Antoine Magaud, who is married to a Maltese woman, came in first place in a total time of two hours, 20 minutes, and 40 seconds.

Cerio crossed the finish line a minute later while another Frenchman, Julien Amadori, of Team France Clubs Defense, finished in third place in a time of two hours, 21 minutes and 42 seconds.

There was also French success in the women’s category as Catheline Ramonet, of Team France Clubs Defense, won yesterday’s stage in one hour 39 minutes and 54 seconds.

Team Greens rider Marie Claire Aquilina was second in one hour 40 minutes and seven seconds, while Johanna Brocco (Team France Clubs Defense) completed the podium in 1:40.14.

In the Masters’ category, there was another victory for Daniele Lazzari,  of ASD Team Simo Bike, in one hour 27 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Maltese cyclist Etienne Bonello (Team Greens) finished just one second behind the winner.

Joaquim Rojas, of Team Greens, finished third in one hour 27 minutes and 18 seconds.

At the end of this stage, Graham Bencini, the Shadow Minister for Sport, presented the medals and the red shirt to the winners.

The Tour of Malta ends today when the last stage is held, a race on the Haz-Zebbuġ Bypass.