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maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 23 MAY 2018 21 SPORTS ATHLETICS Outstanding performance from Graham Borg and Hannah Pace at Ocean Lava Malta Borg claims first local middle distance titles, Pace grabs her second title RACE day provided a mix of choppy seas, strong winds, heavy rain and blazing sun for triathletes on Sunday for what was considered to be one of the toughest editions of the Ocean Lava Malta 113km triathlon on Sunday in Salina Bay. Bru- tal conditions were to test the mental and physical abilities of over hundred athletes that took part in the indvidual distance and relay team categories. With a determination to make it to the top place on the po- dium Graham Borg proceeded almost immediately to establish a gap on the men's field in the swim. 2017 Champion Rudolph Agius kept behind him, though he trailed down to fifth place on the bike leg, having to contend with the likes of Josef Bonavia, Michael Bongailas and Adrian Cuschieri. Despite narrowing the gap with a stronger run, Ag- ius was not able to catch Borg who kept a determined lead from the word 'Go'. Veteran David Galea brought his years of experience into play to qui- etly push ahead and gain sub- stantial time on the run to claim third place. "Absolutely thrilled with to- day's performance in the Ocean Lava Malta triathlon champi- onships – I think we all agree that the conditions were brutal but I was able to win the race despite some tough competi- tion from Rudolph Agius and David Galea. Well done to all the participants and organis- ers for making it possible," said Graham Borg – National Male Middle Distance Champion. Hannah Pace was no match for her female counterparts, outclassing the field when she took her second local Mid- dle Distance Triathlon title in a time of five hours, one min- ute and twenty seven seconds. Pace was the second athlete to exit the water and kept a strong determined pace until the very end. Apart from being the fast- est female, Pace's overall re- sult saw her take overall eighth place. The second female to cross the line, Karen Amato, followed in five hours fifty minutes thir- teen seconds, seven minutes ahead of Felicienne Mercieca. The trio were considered to be favourites for a podium fin- ish. Mercieca exited the water ahead of Amato, but Amato's efforts on the bike enabled her to gain a substantial advantage over Mercieca, who despite having a better run than Ama- to had to settle for third place. Strong performances were also delivered by Suzanne Farrugia who registered third fastest bike segment and Anjelika Ruggier who registered second fastest swim and run. "I am delighted to take the win at Ocean Lava Malta 113km. This was probably one of the toughest middle distance triath- lons that I have ever done due to the brutal conditions and I think my face says it all! Definitely a few lessons to take home but glad with how things are look- ing for the season ahead of me" sai Hannah Pace – second time winner of the Ocean Lava Malta and Middle Distance Champi- onships title. The Relay Teams category was well competed and welcomed some top names in their respec- tive sports – Sarah Demicoli, Andrew Sultana, Paul Privitera for swimming, Nicholas Mi- callef, Alexander Pettet, Steve Sciberras, Gerrard Said for cy- cling and the likes of Josann At- tard Pulis, Alexander Schembri and Charlie Vella for the half marathon. The winners of the relay teams were :- 1st Place - Sarah Demicoli (Swim), Nicholas Micallef (Bike), Chris Mizzi (Run) 2nd Place – Andrew Sultana (Swim), Gerrard Said (Bike), Josann Attard Pulis (Run) 3rd Place – Paul Privitera (Swim), Malcolm Cachia (Bike), Charlie Vella (Run) "Being a long distance race creates some big challenges for the organising team how- ever this year, despite the brutal weather conditions, proved to be one of the best we have had so far. The team is growing and this year we have roped in the support of Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club who have comple- mented the years of experience the team has for this race", ex- plained Charlie Demanuele, Race Founder and Director. "It is always great to see a mix of local and international athletes competing on home soil, and we hope that in 2019 this mix will grow further". Prizes were given out to the winners at the end of the Race and were presented by Race Founder and Director Charlie Demanuele as well as President of Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club, Ray Grech. The Ocean Lava Malta team is grateful towards the support of Go Sports Malta, The Cy- clist, emvigee PR & marketing, San Michel Water, Gatorade, Saracino's Cafe. The Team is also particularly appreciative of the support of Naxxar Local Council, Transport Malta and the team from the Motor Traffic Section of the Police Force led by Insp. Pierguido Saliba. Last but not least a big thank you goes to all the volunteers, marshalls and medical staff present on the day. Official Results can be found on www.oceanlavamalta.com. The next edition of the Ocean Lava Malta Triathlon will take place on Sunday, 19 May 2019. Age Group Winners Age Group Male Female 18 - 24 - Anjelika Ruggier 25 - 29 Andrew Carter - 30 - 34 Michael Bongailas Katherine Tellier 40 - 44 Matthew Mirabelli Claire Azzopardi Lane 45 - 49 Kevin Muscat - 50 - 54 Joseph Cremona Suzanne Farrugia 55 - 59 Vladimir Korotun - 60 - 64 Victor Calvagna -