The final round of the cross country National Points Series took place recently in Miżieb. The 30km offroad race was a do-or-die affair for provisional series leader Clive Ebejer and Etienne Bonello.

The first pedal strokes saw Mark Bonnici forge ahead but the chasing riders stayed in touch.

Jason Vella and Gerald Said also played their cards early in the race but in the final laps, it was down to just two riders, Bonello and Ebejer.

The two contenders were engaged in a neck-and-neck duel. Despite their efforts to try and secure the race prior to the finish line, the issue was decided in the final kilometre with the more experienced Bonello reserving his best to the very last hill.

Ebejer gave chase but Bonello preserved his lead to win by merely a few centimetres and leapfrog his rival into first place of the National Points Series.

Bonello claimed top spot in the overall classification but credit also goes to Ebejer who enjoyed a superb championship, showing marked progress throughout the season.

Bonnici finished the race in third place followed by Said a few seconds later.

Marie Claire Aquilina won the women's race ahead of Danica Bonello Spiteri while the Sports Category honours went to Alexander Kandler.

With the National Points Series coming to a close, the Miżieb course will again be the venue for the National Championship, to be held later this month.