Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1094338
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 MARCH 2019 21 SPORTS MOUNTAIN BIKING James Vella makes return to international competition THREE years after having hung up his boots and quit competi- tive cycling, Jason Vella (Agones SFC) has made a return to the international fold, taking part in the Cyprus Sunshine Cup, con- sidered to be one of the most prestigious mountain bike race events in the world and which is included in the Mountain Bike Series in the UCI Calendar. The three-stage event saw Vella compete in the Masters' 2 Men Category and cover 126km over three days with the highest ascent of 1,916m covered on the last day. Vella did not have a good start in the first race when he suffered several mechanical issues and a crash. Luckily, despite it being a high speed accident Vella only suffered some bruises. With two more days of competition ahead, Vella had to give his all on the flat and uphill routes to make up for the time lost in the technical part of the race. His determination paid off as he obtained a second place in his category in both Stages 2 and 3. Vella had to contend with Cypriot, Romanian, Dutch and Lithuanian riders who pro- vided some tough competition. "Having been out of compe- tition for a number of years, I must admit that I lost quite a lot of precious time in the long single and downhill tracks. As I was lacking the experience I opted for the Masters' Category rather than the Elite as I did not feel ready to compete against some of the world's top ath- letes," he said. "Having said that, this was a great experience overall and am sure it will help me be more competitive in the local races. I must take this opportunity to thank all the veteran mountain bikers in Malta for support- ing my return to racing even though I am competing against them. A big thank you goes to my coach Bruno Mahsoudi for helping in my preparation." Vella has been competing regularly on the Mountain Bike Cross Country circuit organised by the Malta Mountain Bike As- sociation. Although so far a lo- cal podium has eluded him, he has been registering improved performances throughout. Vella finished second in his category in Stages 2 and 3