Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/804561
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH 2017 20 Sport SPORTTODAY TRIATHLON 2017 XTERRA European Tour gets underway in Malta on Sunday THE 3rd annual Xterra Malta off-road triathlon will launch the 15th season of racing on the Xterra European Tour as the race gets underway on Sunday, April 2. Two hundred and twenty-nine athletes will be on the starting line of the 1.5k swim, 30k moun- tain bike and 10k trail run set in the stunning Majjistral Nature Reserve. The 2017 Xterra participants list boasts a strong line up which includes 18 Male and 11 Female pro athletes. Set against a back- drop of clear blue water, a rocky mountain bike circuit and one of the most scenic runs on the Xterra world circuit, Xterra Mal- ta promises to offer a memorable day for athletes and spectators alike. "This year has seen some chang- es to the layout, with a newly set up transition area in the Scouts Campsite that will offer a great atmosphere for spectators with music and fun stuff going on. There were also some changes to the bike loop where it was de- cided to add some more technical parts and two new climbs – just the kind of loop that fits perfectly for the strong athlete. The run part remains spectacular, a cliff- edge trail overlooking the crys- tal blue Mediterranean Sea that twists, turns, and climbs" com- mented Xterra Malta Race Or- ganiser Nathan Farrugia. Last year's Pro Male winner Roger Serrano will once again be joining the fray, as are young guns the likes of Maxim Chane, Peter Lehmann and Hannes Wolpert, who all had a good race in Malta last year. Other men to beat are Karl Shaw, Xterra Costa Rica winner as well as Jan Pyott, Jim Thijs and Thomas Kubek who are all descending onto Mal- ta with a strong determined will to take up a Top 10 spot. Last year's Female winner of Xterra Malta, pro athlete Brig- itta Poor will be returning to de- fend her title and will be joined by Maud Golsteyn and Kristina Lapinova, all Xterra Malta 2016 athletes. Katrin Muller will be making a welcome return to the Xterra fold, whilst Helena Er- benova, considered to be one of Europe's strongest female athlete will be making her first appear- ance in Malta. ETU Junior Race athlete Marta Mendito will also be one to watch. Age Group Winners will auto- matically qualify for the Xterra World Championships which are held annually in Maui, Hawaii in October. Maltese Athletes Nine male and three female homegrown athletes will be tak- ing part in the full and sprint dis- tance categories. Full distance athletes Danica Bonello Spiteri and Lara Butti- gieg are no strangers to the race having competed in previous edi- tions. Both Bonello Spiteri and Buttigieg have, also on separate occasions, represented Malta in the Xterra World Championships in Maui. "We are glad to see a number of new and returning Maltese ath- letes to the race, however, low local participation is a bit disap- pointing. This is a pity as Xterra Malta not only offers an unusual route but also offers Maltese athletes the opportunity to race with some of Europe's top ath- letes" pointed out Farrugia. "We reduced the rate to encourage lo- cal participation but people still seem to be unsure of biking and running off road. Our aim is not to simply encourage triathletes to try cross triathlon but to encour- age people who mountain bike to try run and swim too. We would also love to see more relay teams next year. It's far more beautiful and rewarding than asphalt!"" smiled a hopeful Farrugia. The route has been designed to be spectator friendly and organ- isers encourage the general pub- lic to come watch and cheer on the athletes. Xterra Malta is made possible with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority, Radisson Blu Resort & Scouts, Eurosport, Cisk, Crane Currency, Jeep, Malta Police Force, Transport Malta, Mġarr Local Council, Agones SFC, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club Swimming Section, Red Cross Malta, Mediterranean In- surance Brokers, Garmin Malta, ProAction, The Cyclist, emvigee pr & marketing and Top3Meet- ings. Xterra Malta will take place on Sunday 2nd April and will start with a swim in Golden Bay at 9:00am. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN PIERRE GATT