In the first race of the National Road Championship organised by the Maltese Cycling Federation was dominated by Aidan Buttigieg of D Sports Lab and Jessica Pratt of Team Greens. The two championships this year are being held again on three races per championship. Aidan Buttigieg on his return from Australia to defend the title he won last season, ended up dominating in the Elite Category, while Jessica Pratt did the same who won the Category reserved for Women’, which races were held on Sunday 19 May 2024 in Fluer-de-Lys.
Aidan Buttigieg finished first in the Elite when he finished his race in a time of 1:14:15.18, almost two minutes ahead of Etienne Bonello of Team Greens (1:16:12.42). Pierre Borg of Mosta CC finished in third place (1:16:12.69). The Women’s race resulted in one dominated by Team Greens cyclists, with Jessica Pratt in her National Championship debut finishing first in a time of 49:35.28, an impressive lead of 4 minutes and 38 seconds ahead of her partner Diana Muscat (54:14.12). Michelle Vella Wood also of Team Greens finished third (1:00:16.70).
Jacob Schembri of Mosta CC won the Under 23 Category in a time of 1:16:12.42 followed by his teammate Clyve Chetcuti (1:16:14.31).
The Masters 40+ Category was won by David Cushing of B’kara St Joseph in a time of 46:49.22. Mark Zammit of Mosta CC (46:50.85) and Carl Saydon of Team Greens (50:17.62) followed respectively. Stephen Grima of D Sports Lab for his part won the Masters 50+ Category in a time of 50:17.63. He was followed by Kevin Muscat of Mosta CC (50:18.50) and Joseph Caruana of Team Greens (57:24.34).
Ryan Gatt of The Cyclist won the Under 16 Male Category in a time of 33:07.30. Zia Fuji of Shamrock Stars won the Girls’ Under 14 Category when she did her two laps in a time of 19:07.61. Jake Refalo of Shamrock Stars won the Under 14 Boys Category in a time of 17:57.65, while Ethan Cumbo of Mosta CC won the Under 12 Boys Category in a time of 09:05.57.
