Keith Galea sets Olympic Distance course record in Salina race

Kai Azzopardi registers second win in sprint race

Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club triathlete Keith Galea set a new Olympic Distance course record in Salina when he completed the distance in a time of 2:04.33.

The record was established in Salina this month when Birkirkara SJ hosted the second race of the Go&Fun Triathlon Series for this year.

The triathlon, which consisted of a 1,500m swim, 40km cycle and a 10km run, saw Galea setting the pace from the get-go, exiting the water with a comfortable gap ahead of a strong pack made up of Roberto Briffa, Martin Beyer, Josef Bonavia, Christian Anastasi and Julian James Asciak.

During the bike segment, the lead gap began to shrink.

Roberto Briffa continued to assert his strength in this discipline, once again registering the fastest segment.

Unfortunately, Josef Bonavia, a podium hopeful, faced a mechanical issue during the 40km bike leg, forcing him to abandon the race.

As Galea held onto the lead with Briffa closely trailing behind, the battle for the third podium spot intensified and was ultimately claimed by Christian Anastasi.

Sprint Distance

Maya Schembri Rodgers went on to take her second podium of the season, ahead of Deborah Schembri who registered the fastest bike split amongst the female triathletes and Justine Scicluna who finished in third place.

Kai Azzopardi once again dominated this distance, exiting the water with a strong gap ahead of Ben Psaila and Chylen Fava.

Climbing up the ranks in the bike segment was Neil Falzon who subsequently staved off competition from Psaila and Fava to finish the course in second place behind Kai Azzopardi, whilst Psaila finished in third place.

In the female category, the podium was claimed by Pia Grech, Lindsey Pirotta, and Clara Attard.
Grech maintained her lead throughout the race, though facing tough competition from Pirotta, who posted the fastest run in the category.

In a statement, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club expressed its gratitude towards the Naxxar Local Council, Transport Malta, Naxxar District Police, Go & Fun Energy Drink, officials, volunteers and athletes for their support.

The penultimate race of the BSJ Go&Fun Triathlon Series will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 7.30am in Salina.