Triathlon -2015 Review

One of the most interesting sports phenomena of the past few years has been the growth of triathlon, with race participation growing substantially year on year.

The 2012 Olympics were considered catalyst for the huge growth surge in the sport’s popularity. This, and the drive the Malta Triathlon Federation executive committee and council have put in, has resulted in strong growth patterns for the sport in Malta. This can be attested from the activity that took place over the years, which grew from the occasional few to over 100 athletes of all capabilities racing in the past season.

With the 2015 Triathlon Racing season well and truly over, here are a few of the highlights from one of the local sports busiest scenes.

The Local Scene

With no less than 14 Malta Triathlon Federation sanctioned races, ranging from sprint triathlons to longer distance triathlons to duathlons (run-bike-run) and aquathlons (run-swim-run) covering the whole spectrum of multisport events, Maltese athletes are spoilt for choice. Affiliated Clubs, which currently stand at five contribute to this choice.

Whilst competition was strong there were no major upsets or surprises in the Maltese championship races with Keith Galea claiming four out of the six National Titles – Standard Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon. The Females category, the titles were more evenly spread with Danica Bonello Spiteri claiming three titles (Triathlon, Aquathlon and Cross Triathlon), Michelle Vella Wood claiming two (Duathlon, Sprint Triathlon) and Margaret Seguna claiming her first Long Distance title. Keith Galea and Hannah Pace were crowned Triathletes of the Year – the latter awards are based on success and consistency in racing – Galea having won 9 out of 10 races and Pace having a strong season marked with good consistent results.

Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club Sprint Triathlon Series tops the leader board with the organization of four sprint triathlon races held in Birzebbugia having had to move from the coast road due to works taking place there. The longest established races series on the calendar, it has seen consistent growth throughout the years and last race of the series doubles up as National Sprint Triathlon Championship. Recently formed Agones SFC have shown a particular penchant for off-road/cross triathlon racing and are the only club to offer draft legal racing. Mellieha AC and St. Patrick’s AC organised a Duathlon and Aquathlon respectively thus further complimenting the race portfolio.

For the first time Malta hosted Xterra, the most recognised international cross triathlon challenge, featuring top professionals, amateurs and beginners taking part in a tough off-road course. Maltese athletes claiming to spots were Danica Bonello Spiteri and Stefania Magri.

The Long Distance Triathlon Championships, have been growing from strength to strength – often seen as test bed for triathletes wishing to compete in Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Races. 2015 saw international participation increase. Held in Birzebbugia on a tricky course, 2015 saw a course record established by Slovenian triathlete Jaroslav Kovacic. Maltese winners were Fabio Spiteri and Margaret Seguna who claimed her first championship title.

The International Scene

Malta has also produced some fine showings from athletes making names for themselves on the international scene.

Triathlon Champion Keith Galea had notable performances in Sicily, amongst which wins in the Sicilian Regional Championships as well as the Mazara del Vallo Triathlon.

Maltese athletes achieved excellent results in the women’s events on the opening day of the European Triathlon Championships (sprint distance) held in Geneva in June, with Danica Bonello Spiteri and Hannah Pace clinching Gold and Bronze in their respective age groups. Current National Triathlon, Aquathlon and Cross Triathlon Champion Danica Bonello Spiteri participated in the Elite Category of the World Cross Triathlon Championships in Sardegna as well as a respectable participation in the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan where she had to contend with athletes the likes of Olympic champion Nicola Spirig.

The growth of the sport has seen an impressive surge in athletes taking part in international races, with Ironman 70.3 and Ironman races topping the bill.

National Duathlon and Sprint Triathlon champion Michelle Vella Wood was the first Maltese athlete to compete in the pro category in Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races. Vella Wood obtained a podium finish in Ironman 70.3 Gdynia.

Up and coming Triathlete of the Year Hannah Pace has established herself firmly on the scene and has taken to longer distance races this year – her performances at the Ironman 70.3 race in Budapest not only saw her win her highly competitive age group as well as qualify for the coveted 2016 World Ironman 70.3 Championships to take place in Australia – the first Maltese female to do so. Pace went on to take another first place at Ironman 70.3 in Turkey.

Further success was registered in Turkey by Graham Borg and Long Distance Champion Margaret Seguna who secured a coveted place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and third place in age group podium respectively. Graham Borg had other solid performances on an international level, especially at the Garmin Barcelona Triathlon and the 5150 Triathlon in Barcelona.

Long Distance Triathlon Champion Fabio Spiteri, who’s focus is long distance races saw a number of successes registered in 2015 having claimed podium finishes in Sicily, Poznan, Poland and Dubai.

Notable was veteran David Galea’s performance in Ironman Barcelona. Galea, at age 44 still holds the best time for a Maltese athlete in Ironman races – he has held the record since 1997, when he completed the race in a time of 9 hours 28 minutes in Almere, The Netherlands. In 2015 Galea improved his time to finish the gruelling race in 9 hours 10 minutes and 33 seconds.

Sport Development

Whilst participation amongst adults is strong, the Malta Triathlon Federation saw the need for attention to be given towards roping in young athletes. The setting up of the Malta Youth Triathlon Academy, with the assistance of the European Triathlon Union (ETU) and Kunsill Malti Ghall-Isports (KMS) in 2013 has seen young athletes being trained by qualified coaches. The Federation has also supported the attendance of three promising triathletes – Shaun Galea, Nina Zammit and Neil Markham at the Triathlon Training Camp in Tiszaujvaros, Hungary. Galea and Zammit took part in the ETU Junior European Cup while Markham fought his way through the ranks of elite athletes in the ITU Junior World Cup. Shaun Galea has been registering excellent improvements in his performance. Galea claimed the Cross Triathlon Championship title for the first time in 2015.

2016 promises to be equally busy for all stakeholders involved. Races have been planned, trips abroad booked, enthusiasm growing stronger.

It’s definitely going to be another challenging year for Triathlon in Malta.

Triathlon Distances