First race of season from the NPS series

Riders had to tackle a tricky course at Ħas Saptan.

The 2014 Malta Mountain Bike Association season kicked off on Sunday with the first race from the National Points Series (NPS) at Ħas Saptan, limits of Għaxaq.

As a consequence of the heavy rain that fell last weekend, the 5.5km course offered little respite from puddles and muddy patches. Most of the veteran racers were present for the race, together with a few novices and youngsters.

The decisive move of the race was made immediately after the start as Maurice Formosa (The Cyclist), the eventual race winner, and Mark Bonnici (Agones SFC) opened a gap over their rivals by sharing pacing duties wherever possible.

Jeffrey Borg (Team Greens) suffered a fall in the first minutes of the race, while his team-mate Etienne Bonello and Jason Vella also lost valuable time in the first loop.

Bonello embarked on a steady pace but was unlucky to suffer a mechanical fault as he was getting more into contention.

Current MTB champion Vella, meanwhile, never succeeded in regaining the time he lost in the first lap and had to settle for third behind Bonnici.

Marie Claire Aquilina (Team Greens) dominated the women’s race over a shortened circuit.

She finished first ahead of rookie Lara Buttigieg (Agones SFC) and triathlon champion Michelle Vella Wood (Birkirkara St Joseph).

Justin Magri was the sole con-tender in the Under 15 race but the association is harbouring hopes of attracting other young hopefuls for the remaining races in this category.

The NPS and National Championships are being organised in conjunction with Agones SFC under the auspices of the association and the Malta Cycling Federation with the assistance of Whel Wizard BBB Bike Parts and Buff.

The next race will be held on Monday in Mġarr.

Race winners
Men: 1. Maurice Formosa 1:11:39; 2. Mark Bonnici 1:11:49; 3. Jason Vella 1:13:41.
Women: 1. Marie Claire Aquilina 53:24; 2. Lara Buttigieg 1:03:38; 3. Michelle Vella Wood 1:57:27.