The Malta Mountain Bike Association (MMBA) brought the 2026 mountain bike season to a blazing close, hosting the National Championships in Pembroke. Riders battled in sweltering heat as they went head-to-head across a brand-new course that quickly proved itself worthy of a national title decider. The Pembroke circuit was a fresh challenge for all competitors — a technically demanding layout weaving together punishing climbs, sharp bends, jumps and fast-flowing singletrack.
Elite Category
Luke Borg asserted his position on the course from the very first lap, setting a measured pace that put a good distance between himself and the chasing pack. Behind him, the race unfolded lap by lap. Mark Bonnici worked his way up from the chasing group to join Borg at the front by the second lap, while Clyve Chetcuti and Andrew Caruana continued to push hard behind.
A crash late in the second lap ended Bonnici’s charge while he was still in contention at the front, allowing Chetcuti to come through. Chetcuti then held second place into the third lap, looking well placed to seal the result, but mountain biking has a way of humbling even the strongest riders. A flat tyre on the final lap robbed him of the momentum he had worked so hard to build, leaving him to dig deep and hold on as Etienne Bonello, riding with composure and consistency throughout, quietly and steadily moved through the ranks to claim second place, 30 seconds behind Borg. Chetcuti finished in third.
Ladies Category
Marie Claire Aquilina returned to the top step of the podium to reclaim the national title. Fiona Tedesco rode strongly to take second place, with Michelle Mifsud rounding out the podium in third.
Sport Category
Josmar Vella rode a controlled race to take the Sport category win, building a comfortable lead over the field. Kyle Camilleri claimed second place ahead of Andrew Curmi in third.
40+ Category
Liran Ben-Ari crossed the line in first place ahead of Gordon Zahra in second and Alex Portelli in third.
50+ Category
Stephen Grima won the 50+ category, establishing a commanding lead that he maintained to the finish. Carmelo Abela took second place ahead of Ramon Grech in third.
Under 19 Boys
Andrei Cassone controlled the Under 19 Boys race from the front to take the win, with Ryan Gatt in second and Matthias Abela Criminale in third.
Junior Categories
Neil Cassar and Katie Anne Vella Wood raced in the Under 17 Boys and Under 17 Girls category, both giving a strong account of themselves.
The Under 15 Boys delivered an animated contest, with Ethan Cumbo and Zach Saliba locked in close racing from the opening lap. Cumbo mananged to maintain the lead to take the win, with Saliba finishing in second place and Jake Said rounding out the podium in third.
The Under 15 Girls saw Kim Micallef Cann ride to the top step of the podium.
In the Under 12 Boys, Nolan Tabone led the way to the finish, with Nick Said in second and Thomas Bartolo completing the podium in third.
The Under 12 Girls was a spirited affair, with Amy Micallef Cann establishing herself at the front with a confident lead, while Ella Jo Falzon produced a resolute ride to claim second place.
