With the fourth race of the series taking place this week, the 2016 season has certainly produced a few surprises and upsets.
Under 17 Dylan Cachia stormed to victory in the first and second race, but was upstaged by newcomer to the Open Water Series scene, Kyle Buhagiar in the third race, when Cachia registered his slowest time in the Series.
After an absence of a few years, the Birkirkara St. Joseph Open Water Swimming Series returned to Salina, where over a hundred twenty athletes have taken part so far.
Reigning champion Neil Agius, has so far only taken part in the second race where he managed to catch up with the top swimmers and clinch a place on the podium.
In Race One, Cachia swam through the 2 kilometre course in 26 minutes and 31 seconds, well ahead of Luke Camilleri Cuschieri, winner of the majority of last year’s races, who came in second place with a time of 28 minutes four seconds, with just one second to spare ahead of Andrew Sultana who came in third place. In Race Two a similar situation ensued though it was Neil Agius who took second place whilst Zerafa retained his third place. Camilleri Cuschieri failed to take a place on the podium, his performance hindered due injury.
Cachia plan for a third win was thwarted by Buhagiar who swam to first place in a time of 26:45, thus breaking Cachia’s unbeaten run. Richard Zerafa retained his third place.
There were no surprises in the females’ category. Sarah Demicoli, who dominated last year’s Series has kept the momentum going this year, winning all three races with relatively consistent times and a place in the overall Top 5. Margaret Seguna has kept her second place, improving on her first race time. Leah Satariano took third place in the first two races but was pipped to the place in the third race by Maya Schembri Rogers and other new face on the scene.
“Once again the Salina Coast Road was a hive of activity, we very pleased to have been able to return to this location after a long absence. From a logistical perspective this location makes it easier for us to monitor the progress of the race and facilitates the wellbeing of our swimmers, it also provides a better experience for spectators who can observe the race proceedings at a closer distance. ” observed Euchar Camilleri, Secretary General, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club. “After the third race there is no clear favourite in the men’s category and from the looks of it we will be kept waiting to see who will emerge winner of the title”.
The Open Water Swimming Series consists of five 2-kilometre open water swims and a 4-kilometre swim. These races also serve as qualifying swims for the annual Malta-Gozo-Malta and Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Championships which will take place on Saturday 27th August.
Race 3 Male Podium
L to R – 2nd Place – Dylan Cachia, 1st Place – Kyle Buhagiar, 3rd Place – Richard Zerafa
Race 3 Feale Podium
L to R – 2nd Place – Margaret Seguna 1st Place – Sarah Demicoli, 3rd Place – Maya Schembri Rogers
Photo Credit: Angie Conti
