Luke Borg retained his National Champion title, whilst Diana Muscat won her first title on Sunday when the Malta Mountain Bike Association hosted Cisk 0.0 National Championships in Pembroke.
The race course, which featured several updates from previous editions, was carefully designed by the Association to provide a more engaging and varied challenge. Riders faced a mix of technical turns, additional switchbacks, and a newly introduced trail section in a rocky area of the location, all contributing to a more dynamic and demanding cross-country route.
Determined to add another title to his name, Luke Borg was the first off the starting line, quickly securing a front position as riders navigated a narrow path. The opening lap saw Borg leading alongside Clyve Chetcuti, Stefan Scerri and Brandon Sultana, but by the second loop, Mark Bonnici had overtaken Scerri and Sultana to move into third. These positions held steady until the seventh and final lap, which saw Borg, Chetcuti, and Bonnici complete the Elite podium, with Borg reclaiming the National Champion title.
Diana Muscat established a comfortable lead early on in the Ladies’ race, maintaining her position through to the end of the fifth lap to claim her first national title. Lara Buttigieg secured second place, with Fiona Tedesco close behind in third.
In the Sport Category, Robert Grech, Josmar Vella, and Christian Zammit claimed the podium positions. The 40+ category was won by Jeffrey Borg, followed by Alex Portelli and Gordon Zahra. Stephen Grima topped the 50+ category, with Mark Portelli and Martin Hamilton completing the podium.
There was no shortage of competitive action in the Junior Categories. In the U19 category, Matthias Gauci, Matthias Abela Criminale, and Josch Louro claimed the podium spots. The U17 Boys’ category saw strong performances from Liam Daly, Denzil Borg, and Simon Vella. One of the most hotly contested junior events was the U15 Boys’ race, where Neil Cassar gained a solid lead to finish ahead of Jake Refalo and Ethan Cumbo. In the U15 Girls’ race, Katie Anne Vella Wood delivered a standout performance to secure her first category title, with Nina Debono Curmi and Kim Micallef Cann placing second and third respectively. Nolan Tabone, Kruiven Farrugia, and Andrew Spiteri made up the top three in the U12 Boys’ category, while Amy Micallef Cann and Zaliya Dimech completed the U12 Girls’ podium.
Kevin Azzopardi, Secretary General of the Maltese Olympic Committee, was in attendance at the Cisk 0.0 National Championships and presented medals to the winners.
“First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and parents who stepped up to support the National Championships. Their involvement was instrumental in making the event possible. Without the commitment of these individuals, the Association would not be able to host our events.” remarked Pierre Zammit Endrich, President, Malta Mountain Bike Association. “The Association would also like to thank Cisk 0.0 Lager for their ongoing support as well as Pembroke Local Council and the Community Police”
The Association now turns its focus to the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe, where Malta will be represented by Luke Borg, Clyve Chetcuti, and Stefan Scerri, with Pierre Zammit Endrich and Mark Bonnici providing support to the team. The Games will take place in Andorra between the 26th and 31st May.
