The Maltese national cycling team recently participated at the Tour of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

The stage race covered 545kms over four days and was classified as a UCI 2.2 category race, fielding a total of 18 national and continental teams.

Malta was represented by Carl Attard, Maurice Formosa, Christian Formosa, Jason Vella, James Mifsud and Etienne Bonello. They were assisted by Charles Sammut and sports therapist Joseph Buttigieg.

The race was unexpectedly affected by heavy rainfalls and strong side winds, making the going tough particularly through the unsheltered desert roads.

With a field of over 100 riders the six-man Malta were at par with other teams and rode consistently trying to secure a podium result.

The team, however, suffered an upset in the first stage when Maurice Formosa fell victim to a crash in wet weather.

Formosa had to abandon the race due to injuries and bicycle damage.

In the second stage, Bonello tried to make amends for the previous day’s results by mixing it with the front runners in the final sprint, positioning himself well for the rush to the line.

However, he failed to secure a top placing despite finishing a few metres away from the winning rider.

The third and longest stage of the tour included two climbs and a total distance of 165kms.

Vella and Bonello went all out to reel the early front runners back but at the first climb it was the former who was on a good ride, powering himself up and joining the 30-strong front group.

Unfortunately, his bold efforts were cut short by an untimely puncture near the end of the race forcing him to drop back for a wheel change.

Stage four was a 120km loop in a desert course characterised by strong gusts and undulations. Once again, the Maltese riders gave their all with Attard and Mifsud leading Bonello into the final sprint.

Cycling federation president John Zammit had words of praise for the Maltese team’s showing.

“The squad is going from strength to strength and the way they rode in the UAE tour is proof of that,” he said.

“Our boys raced against professional riders and national champions from countries with far more resources than ours and managed to hold their own.

“This augurs well for the future development of the team.”

The trip was made possible through the assistance of the Maltese Olympic Committee, Kunsill Malti għall-Isport and Emirates Airlines.