Farrugia finishes first on 20th anniversary of his Sicily-Malta swim

Any race that has competitors swimming through the Blue Lagoon must have something going for it. The crystal clear waters, the backdrop of rugged cliffs, the rising sun illuminating Kemmunet and the perfect silence must be rich compensation for any effort expended.

Whether the beauty of the scenery was uppermost in the minds of nine swimmers as they crossed through the islets on their way to Cirkewwa, was another thing.

After all, the race had taken off an hour earlier with a run of 12 kilometres from Gharb to Hondoq ir-Rummien and would not be over before they cycled another 42 kilometres from Çirkewwa to M©arr (doing a few loops between Xemxija and Ghajn Tuffieha to make up the distance).

This is the Gozo-Malta Triathlon - a race that has been held, on and off, for the past 15 years and has never ceased to fascinate some of the toughest athletes on the island.

Last Saturday's race - the ninth time it has been held - was won by veteran Nicky Farrugia, this year celebrating the 20th anniversary of his formidable Sicily-Malta swim.

Although Farrugia's swim time was not the best on the day, yet, being coupled by the fastest run and cycle times, it was enough to help him win the race in 3:39.03.

In second place was Michael Gellel. He finished in 3:58. Third and fourth were William Brydon and Mario Bugeja who came in together in 4:28.10.

Women triathletes took part in previous Gozo-Malta triathlons but this was the first time that three had completed the distance.

Tara Baldacchino had the best swim time, beating her male counterparts as well, but she had to settle for second place overall behind Marylynn Bezzina whose performance in all three disciplines was more consistent.

Bezzina had an excellent run and cycle. She was first woman at the gantry in 4:04.14. Third woman was the evergreen Debbie Caruana Dingli.

There was also one relay team, consisting of Peter Karpov (runner), Grant Williams (swimmer) and George Naudi (cyclist). They finished the race in second place overall in 3:54.21.

The Malta Triathlon Association was assisted by the Gozo Channel and the Armed Forces of Malta.