Mifsud Bonnici on track as Dermot Galea falters

David Galea, a former triathlon champion, rolled back the years when winning the second race in the Birkirkara St Joseph Red Bull Triathlon series, inflicting a rare defeat on current champion Dermot Galea who performed well below his best time of 56 minutes 57 seconds for the sprint distance.

Maria Mifsud Bonnici continued to dominate the ladies' category, although Danica Spiteri's challenge is narrowing the gap.

Although the race started at 7 a.m. sharp, the hot weather conditions were already very evident as the triathletes took to the waters of Golden Bay for the 750m swim.

Dermot Galea, Mark Zammit and Keith Galea were back to the transition area seconds away from each other to start the 20km bike segment, Dermot leading on 11 minutes 15 seconds.

On the bike route, positions changed drastically with David Galea and Nicky Farrugia powering their way into second and third place respectively.

It was evident at this stage that Dermot Galea was struggling as David Galea managed to cover the 20km course in 30 minutes 43 seconds, the best cycle time of the race.

Five seconds separated the two Galeas at the start of the 5km run.

The sweltering heat took its toll on several athletes at this stage of the race. It certainly had no effect on David Galea, who overtook the champion midway through the run to finish first in one hour 40 seconds, one minute four seconds ahead of Dermot Galea, who was being chased by his brother Keith who finished third in one hour, two minutes 11 seconds.

Interesting duel

In the ladies' race, a very interesting duel ensued between the current champion Mifsud Bonnici and her predecessor Spiteri, who is also making a very encouraging comeback.

Twenty seconds separated the two ladies in the 750m swim, Mifsud Bonnici starting the 20km bike segment after 12 minutes 20 seconds.

It was in this part of the race that Mifsud Bonnici stamped her superiority on her rival, opening a gap of one minute 38 seconds in the process.

In the five-kilometre run, Spiteri was faster by more than 30 seconds, thus trimming Mifsud Bonnici's lead to 57 seconds at the end of the race.

Mifsud Bonnici won in 1:07.08. Third female in was Angele Cremona in one hour 22 minutes 34 seconds.

Oswald Spiteri, treasurer of the Malta Triathlon Association, distributed the trophies to the winners at the end of the race.

Co-sponsors of these events include Magri Cycles of Mosta, Nextgen ISP and Air Malta.