Dylan Cachia produced a runaway performance in Salina on Tuesday morning to finish first in the first race of the Garmin BSJ Open Water Swimming Championships hosted by Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club.
On the word go, Cachia cut away to the front, leaving the rest of the swimmers in his wake. Behind him, Luca Vella produced a determined attempt to keep the gap between him and Cachia as short as possible, however on reaching the first buoy, Cachia kept on increasing his pace to finish the two kilometre course in 23 minutes eleven seconds. Vella finished nearly four minutes behind in 27 minutes two seconds. In third place was Tristan Micallef, who finished fifty one seconds behind Vella.
The females’ category was won by Roanna Farrugia. Farrugia, who has just returned from a successful showing at the Jeux des Iles, finished the race in 28 minutes 43 seconds and making it to the overall Top 5. Farrugia was followed by Martina Micallef, who finished the race in 29 minutes 11 seconds. In third place was Leilla Atzmannstorfer who completed the course in 32 minutes 28 seconds.
Trophies to the top three male and female winners were presented by Club President Raymond Grech.
Race 1 Males’ Podium – Left to Right -> Luca Vella (2nd), Dylan Cachia (1st), Tristan Micallef (3rd)
Race 1 Females’ Podium – Left to Right -> Martina Micallef (2nd), Roanna Farrugia (1st), Leilla Atzmannstorfer (3rd)
The Championships are held under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta and supported by Garmin.