For the past four years, Mosta Mapei Cycling Club riders have been taking part in international races in Italy. The latest to figure in the Granfondo Maratona del Dolomite were Mario Brincat and George Gauci who took part in the 110km race last month in Alta Badia north of Italy.

The two pedalled together till the end clocking a satisfactory 7:40.26, well inside the expected time. The marathon included six mountain stages and two first category climbs.

Flat stretches in this race are practically non-existent. The start alone involved a five-kilometre climb before the first mountain.

Several VIPs, including Romano Prodi, Gianni Motta, Francesco Moser, Ivan Gotti and Maria Canins, then took part in a 57km stage.

Hundreds of cyclists took part.

Besides Mosta CC, Brincat and Gauci also represented the Malta Cycling Federation who provided the apparel.

They admitted the races were tough, in particular the mountains stages, due mainly to lack of breathing in that altitude.