Danica Bonello Spiteri

In the build-up to the 2015 National Championships, the 30th in the series, it became clear that there would be three protagonists in the race – Keith Galea, vying for his fifth title, Danica Bonello Spiteri, who was focusing on a 13th crown, and the strong North West wind that decided to batter the islands on the most eagerly-awaited date on the local triathlon calendar.

In fact, on Sunday, race organisers, had to resort to some fast-thinking processes to curtail the swim segment due to the rough sea and safeguard the safety of the 100-strong field of triathletes.

Wind or no wind there was no stopping Galea and Bonello Spiteri from claiming the honours in the Standard Triathlon.

Galea was the first out of the choppy waters at L-Għadira tal-Bir bay with Hannah Pace and Graham Borg reaching the shoreline next ahead of Bonello Spiteri.

In the bike segment, Borg drew closer to Galea and both contenders practically entered Transition Two together.

However, a faster transition and a typical formidable run meant Galea (Birkirkara SJ) ran unchallenged towards his grand slam of titles this season.

Borg was second and Fabio Spiteri third.

In the women’s race, it was battle sup-reme between Bonello Spiteri and Pace on the road to l-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa.

Bonello Spiteri (St Patrick’s) was first into Transition Two and she went almost unchallenged to become the most successful woman in the championship.

Pace retained the runner-up spot, the same position as last year, and Michelle Vella Wood rode and ran steadily for third place.

In other categories, Neil Markham, fourth overall, claimed the U-23 title and Kevin Muscat was the winner in the Over 40 race.

Suzanne Farrugia and Raymond Borg took the Over 50 honours while Marian Belsten was first in the Over 60 category.

The Sprint Distance Triathlon had a very healthy mix of local and foreign talent.

In the women’s event, Lara Buttigieg produced her best performance ever to take first place ahead of Nina Zammit and Michelle Scott (Britain).

Young Shaun Galea confirmed his exceptional moment when he beat the challenge of more seasoned athletes to seal first place in the men’s race.

James Cuschieri confirmed his potential and was second behind Galea while Glen Zammit, who had raced Ironman Barcelona the weekend before, showed remarkable stamina by finishing third.

In age categories, Mattea Grech and Matthaeus Sciberras were the top performers in the U-23 field, Lucy Cutler (Britain) and Kelvin Goodwin won the Over 40 races and Italy’s Roberto Agostini claimed the Over 50 title.

Among those taking part in the Sprint Triathlon was 82-year-old Briton Malc Bennett. He was presented with a special memento by the race organisers.

Races were held under the auspices of the Malta Triathlon Federation and supported by Magri Cycles. The organisation relied mainly on Birkirkara St Joseph Sport Club and Joseph F. Spiteri & Co.