MAAA road races at Ricasoli today

Two athletes who must fancy their chances of victory when lining up at the start of the Ricasoli 4.7K race this afternoon are surely Gerald Grech and Mark Herrera, who both had a very good start to the Winter Road Running League this season.

Grech, of AS Libertas, is an experienced runner. He finished first in Gozo and third at Ghajn Tuffieha, and being also last year's winner at Ricasoli, will certainly go all out to defend his title.

On the other hand, Herrera, of Athleta Pembroke, only 19, after dominating the younger age groups year after year from cadets up to juniors, is now taking on the senior runners for the first time. He finished a very creditable sixth at Ghajn Tuffieha. A keen tussle is expected between the two, especially as they both prefer shorter distances, Ricasoli being one of their favourite road races.

With Drew Lang and Brian Magri still to confirm their participation, one possible serious challenger might well be Alex Busuttil, winner in 2000 and 2001, and also current holder of the course record which stands at 13:39.

The Mellieha AC runner is still some way off his best form though, having only resumed serious training recently. But he is hoping to be back to his best by the time the track season gets underway early next year.

Curtain-raiser of the afternoon programme is the cadets' race at 2 p.m. followed by the youths at 2:30 p.m. The final race of the day, for intermediates, juniors and seniors, starts at 3 p.m.