Fabio Spiteri looking to finish Deca race in memory of late Jake Vella

Starts his quest on Sunday at Lago Di Garda in aid of animal shelters

Malta’s Ultra-athlete Fabio Spiteri is set for the biggest challenge of his career when he competes in the Deca at the Lago Di Garda in Italy today.

The build up to the race was anything but easy for Spiteri, particularly following the news that his close friend and fellow athlete Jake Vella passed away on Friday

Vella, who suffered from a rare condition, had been fighting an extremely rare condition that caused him to gain weight rapidly despite eating healthy and training continuously.

His condition took a turn for the worse over the past few days and he died at Mater Dei Hospital, where he had recently been living and receiving treatment.

In an open letter, Spiteri described Jake Vella as an inspirational figure despite his young age and said that he will dedicate today’s race to him.

“Jake, I don’t have enough words to describe how big you were as a person,” Spiteri said.

“We will miss you a lot and you didn’t deserve this. I will keep you in my heart like many people will. We need to use the positivity you had during the tough times in our daily life.

“Jake, on Sunday I have the biggest race of my life. I know you are in heaven supporting me and see me complete the race. I am not 100 per cent focused but I will give everything I have to cross the finish line and dedicate it to you.”

Two months ago, Spiteri set a new national record by completing a Quintuple triathlon race in 92 hours – a remarkable feat that not only showcased his incredible endurance and determination but also highlighted his deep passion for animals, which inspired him to launch Project 100.

As a devoted pet owner with 13 animals and a volunteer at local shelters, Spiteri is acutely aware of the challenges animal shelters face in covering basic expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and veterinary bills. He has also observed a troubling increase in the number of abandoned dogs this year, many of whom were not microchipped, adding to the burden on these shelters.

“Project 100 was launched to raise €100,000 to support animal shelters in Malta,” Spiteri explained.

“The funds will be used to buy medicines and food for over 40 local animal shelters and cat feeders. I’m pleased to say that we’ve already raised one-third of our goal, but I hope that the public’s generosity will come through and we can reach the full amount.”

Spiteri’s accomplishment in the Quintuple triathlon was not just a personal triumph but a stepping stone towards an even greater challenge: The DECA.

This is one of the most demanding endurance events in the world, consisting of a 38-kilometre swim, an 1,800-kilometre bike ride, and a 422-kilometre run.

Spiteri’s ultimate goal is to complete the DECA while raising the remaining funds needed to meet his €100,000 target.

So far, he has collected €30,000, but with the DECA on the horizon, he is determined to push both his physical limits and his fundraising efforts to support the many shelters in need.

This weekend, Spiteri will be one of only ten participants in Lago di Garda, attempting to conquer a race that is ten times the length of a standard Ironman triathlon (swim 3.8km, bike 180km, run 42.2km).

“These distances test the human body to its absolute limits, requiring not only physical strength but also immense mental fortitude” remarked Spiteri, who first attempted the Deca last year in Brazil.

That attempt ended in disappointment when severe blisters developed into a painful infection, forcing him to withdraw and begin aggressive antibiotic treatment.

This year, however, Spiteri is more focused than ever. His goal is to become the first Maltese athlete to complete the Deca and join the elite group of fewer than 100 people worldwide who have accomplished this incredible feat.

Spiteri’s training for the Deca has been as much a mental challenge as a physical one. “The most difficult aspect wasn’t the long hours of swimming, cycling, and running, but the intense heat,” said Spiteri.

Night sessions

Most of his training sessions took place at night to avoid the harsh daytime temperatures, but even then, the humidity remained high at 30-31 degrees, making the conditions incredibly tough.

Spiteri’s training regimen has been exhaustive, including several 300km rides and the Quintuple race itself – earlier on in June.

So far, his longest swim was a 30-kilometre session – in a 50 metre pool – during a 12-hour swim marathon. He upped his cycling mileage around Sardegna, covering 1,000 kilometers in just five days. Additionally, Spiteri has completed numerous round-Malta cycling rides, each totaling 130 kilometers, to build his endurance.

As race day approaches, Spiteri is filled with excitement and nerves.

“The Deca represents a monumental challenge, but with the lessons learnt from last year’s attempt and the rigorous training undertaken, I am better prepared to face it head-on,” he said.

Spiteri expressed his gratitude towards a number of entities who have been supporting his endeavours – namely Royal Canin Malta, GasanMamo Insurance, Betclic, Visit Malta and ProUp. Joining them in supporting Project 100 are Wheel Wizard (Malta), Eurosport Malta, Garmin Malta, Go&Fun Green Energy Drink, ABUS Cycling, Rise Physio +, For A Cause Events, masseur Philip Cachia, 24/7 Fitness Club, Waggo’s and Kuluri.

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