The 2017 multisport calendar kicked off last week with the annual draft legal sprint distance duathlon organised by Agones SFC. The race, which took place in Ħal Safi consisted of a 4.4km run, 18km cycle and 2.2km run.
From the very beginning it looked like it was going to be a three horse race between current triathlon champion and Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club athlete Keith Galea and Shaun Galea and David Agius Lia. Entering together in the first transition to bike in a time of 15 minutes 9 seconds, it was Galea’s attack from the very beginning that gave him the lead but Galea and Agius Lia were hot on his heels. In a tactic to pace himself for the 2.2km run that followed, the BSJ athlete slowed down on the final part of the bike. A similar repeat of the first transition took pace with the trio heading out to the final part of the race. Agius Lia was first out on the run, opening a gap between him and Galea. A sprint finish ensued in the last 100m resulting in Galea overtaking Agius Lia by a mere 5 seconds. Shaun Galea entered in third place in 56 minutes and three seconds.
“I was expecting a hard race – Shaun has shown great promise and has been a force to contend with, same could be said for Agius Lia who hadn’t raced in a while but showed great strength and determination. I was particularly pleased with the great sportsmanship shown through – a great example for all athletes, especially the young ones present” commented Galea after the race. “I am currently building my form, haing changed my approach to training to hopefully reach my peak at the forthcoming European Triathlon Championships in June.”
Keith Galea is currently shortlisted as one of the finalists for the People’s Choice Award Category in the or the final of the SportMalta Awards- Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali. Voting for this award can be done via the link below – www.sportmalta.org.mt/peoples-choice-awards-2017
