Keith Galea, Danica Bonello Spiteri emerge overall winners of the Series
The final race of the Go&Fun BSJ Sprint Triathlon Series was one that kept everyone guessing as the front runners and podium contenders, who dominated the series throughout the summer, kept changing places throughout the whole race.
First out of the 750m swim was Kai Azzopardi, who edged past Keith Galea as soon as they reached the first buoy to gain the lead and reach the transition area first. Behind him, Galea and Ryan Muscat went on head to head arriving in transition for the 20km bike segment together
First out of the 750m swim was Kai Azzopardi, who edged past Keith Galea as soon as they reached the first buoy to gain the lead and reach the transition area first. Behind him, Galea and Ryan Muscat went on head to head arriving in transition for the 20km bike segment together. It was in the bike segment that places started to change and Galea took the lead ahead of Azzopardi and Muscat. As Galea charged into transition, Muscat edged past Azzopardi in an attempt to get to transition before him but Azzopardi powered on, resulting in the three entering the transition practically together. A fast transition by Azzopardi saw him exit towards the 5km run first, with Muscat hot on his heels. Galea, determined to win the final race gave a determined push to slowly edge past the duo. Azzopardi was the second to cross the finish line, with Muscat finishing five seconds behind him.
Similarly in the females’ category, Danica Bonello Spiteri produced a strong swim to gain a comfortable advantage over Keira Attard and Krista Kuusijarvi.
Heading onto the bike segment ahead of these two, Bonello Spiteri kept the lead until the last few metres of the bike leg when Kuusijarvi edged past her into transition. From then on Kuusijarvi took the lead to finish the race and producing her best time for the Series. Bonello Spiteri finished in second place followed by Attard who also produced a personal best for the summer.
With the final race of the Series, completed, Keith Galea and Danica Bonello Spiteri were crowned overall winners of the Series by Club President Ray Grech.
“Whilst the Series was won by what can be referred to as veteran triathletes Keith Galea and Danica Bonello Spiteri, the Series have produced some very promising new talent both in the Males and Females category. Promising talent was also seen in the Youth Series. This augurs well for the future of our sport, for which organising races is becoming increasingly challenging year after year” remarked Euchar Camilleri, Secretary General, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club. “As we conclude our Summer of Sport, we will start working on a new season, taking on lessons learnt to ensure the best possible racing experience for our athletes”.
The Club also hosted the final race of the Go&Fun Youth Triathlon Series which was hugely popular and which aims to foster a passion for Triathlon amongst younger athletes. A trophy was presented to the first female and male athletes who took part in all four races of the series in the four categories – Oliver Buccheri, Mickaya Fava (Category 1), Leo Buccheri, Nina Debono (Category 2), Giuseppe Borg, Zija Fuji (Category 3) and Chylen Fava(Category 4).
The Club would like to thank Go & Fun Green Energy Drink for once again supporting the Series, as well the Naxxar Local Council and Transport Malta for their assistance. Gratitude goes towards all volunteers, race officials, time keepers, marshalls and all those who contributed towards the success of the Club’s Summer of Sport.
