Watch: Bonavia secures second victory at Sprint Triathlon Series

Danica Bonello Spiteri remains unbeaten

Josef Bonavia continued his winning streak on Sunday when he earned his second win in a row in the third race of the Go & Fun Birkirkara St Joseph Sprint Triathlon Series. 

Danica Bonello Spiteri retained her momentum to continue her unbeaten run.

Near perfect sea conditions provided a good start, though the heat and the moderate winds on the bike and run course provided a challenge, resulting in few athletes achieving personal best times for the season.

First out of the water was Neil Markham, followed by Joseph Galea and Sean Michael Darmanin. 

Clearly on his element when on the bike segment, Josef Bonavia climbed the ranks to clock the best segment time and be the first out on the 5km run.

With another victory in sight, Bonavia did not allow the fatigue accumulated through the two half Ironman races in the previous days to affect him.

Bonavia crossed the finish line in a time of one hour, three minutes 27 seconds.  

Second, behind Bonavia was Joseph Galea, who despite having his rear brake jammed throughout the bike segment, managed to successfully fight for a second place, staving off efforts from Markham who had to settle for third place.

In the females’ section, Danica Bonello Spiteri was out for her third win and led the pack from the word go.

First out of the water, she shot off on the 20km bike course and went into the 5km run with a comfortable advantage over the rest.

With athletes like Hannah Cutajar, Lara Buttigieg and Anjelika Ruggier, who previously took up a place on the podium not taking part, it was going to be interesting to see who would claim these placings.

The surprise of the day was 17-year-old Pia Zammit, who registered her first podium placing.

This was Zammit’s first Sprint Triathlon season, having graduated from the shorter Malta Youth Triathlon Academy races in the past.

Zammit also registered her best time for the series so far.  In third place was Lindsey Zammit, who also claimed her first podium this year, having finished fourth in the first race.

In a statement, the Birkirkara SJ thanked all those present for their full co-operation with the Covid-19 protocols the club put into place to ensure a safe racing environment. 

The final race of the Go & Fun Birkirkara St. Joseph Sprint Triathlon Series will take place on Sunday, September 20 and has been designated as the Sprint Triathlon National Championships by the Malta Triathlon Federation.

RACE RESULTS

MEN: 1. Josef Bonavia 1:03.27; 2. Joseph Galea 1:05:19; 3. Neil Markham 1:06.46.

WOMEN: 1. Danica Bonello Spiteri 1:08.01; 2. Pia Zammit 1:18.36; 3. Lindsey Zammit 1:20.40.