08/02/04
MTB XC - National Points Series Round 2 - Mizieb
Back to mountain bike racing today, was really prepared to come in action from the beginning of the race as I really felt strong in the warm up, It was windy today but it really did not effect me and that is why I hit the gas from the start. I gave a sudden but leg breaking attack in the first incline to see how the others could cope. I did do some damage and I persisted to keep a steady pace. It was only in the final 3kms of the first lap that I got rid of everyone in a uphill drag and cruised away to the finish. Not exactly, I had a 2 minute lead on the others and in the fourth and final lap I puncture in the last 3 kms. I had no time to fix the problem and all I could do is ride on the flat and hope to make it to the finish. It was tough luck as I was over taken in the final 100 metres and there was nothing I could do. you were lucky today mate, we'll fight it off on the dellimara climbs dudu.
01/02/04
QORMI -DINGLI TIME TRIAL
The road racing season has finally kicked off with the Qormi -Dingli Time Trial. I was really looking forward to test my training and see how my engine was doing. I haven't started doing serious BT workouts and was not expecting to be firing on all cylinders from race one. Anyway back to the race, it's only 10.5km in length but it is a gradual uphill especially when you arrive at the saqqajja hill. I went out fast and kept a good pace, My legs were not turning as they should as I kept my normal training the week before and did not recover properly for it. It was not an important race and there is no need to be in top form for it. Surprise , surprise I improved the time on last year and finished 2nd with the elite although 3rd overall. not bad as a first test.
11-01-04 2004 Kicks off with a BANG
MTB XC National Points Series Round 1 - Pembroke
Finally back to racing, been really looking forward to it as training on its own is boring at times. Today's race was what I really call a race, hard fought from the start and the competition was high. I played my cards really well today. I tried not to let any attacks go until the final part of the race where it was my turn to give a dose of what my opposition is expected to have in big loads this season. I escaped with two laps to go and got my first win of the season. It was a good test today and I did suffer alot as I am still not at 100%. Will be back in action on the 1st of Feb, in the meantime enjoy this pic. (click here)
17/08/03
Sorry for being absent from my website for a while but this summer I am really not very keen in working in this space. My races haven't stopped although I wish. I did the second round of the summer cup in Dellimara. It was too hot to do a decent time but managed to put my bike in front of the others, this course is lung breaking in this heat - can we have the A/C on next time please? I am not training as much but I am doing the mid week crits in Hal Far which keep me in shape. Everyone is invited to join, we meet every Wednesday at 6:30pm in the drag racing track, it is good fun and best way to train. Anyway back to racing, I set up my triathlon relay team for the two events, I kept my usual 40m/hr to get the best bike legs. The MTB summer cup ended with the race in Pembroke Ranges, I do not really enjoy racing here as it is flat and it is hard to break away and get a good lead but I was particularly strong that day, I put the hammer down from the word go, I had some good luck from a special guest who came to visit. My idea was to go fast in the beginning to get a good lead and then control the lead till the end to secure my win, but my legs never showed a sign of fatigue and I just kept the strong pace to the finish. I did a personal best on this course, breaking my best time with almost three minutes. It was a nice way to finish my mountain biking season. There isn't much racing left, a tri event in September and another one in October.
14/07/03
MTB SUMMER CUP ROUND ONE - SWATAR CRIT
Back to MTB racing after the road nationals, I do like the summer series as it gives me motivation to keep training during the summer and maintain some of my fitness. The race was at Miziep last Saturday afternoon, it was hot and humid as usual. Now that my exams are over, (by the way I obtained my diplomas in Aromatherapy and Reflexology) I could train regularly and got some of my form back. The race was short only 24 kms but it was fast from the start as I expected. After the first lap only one rider could keep my pace until I attacked in the second lap in an incline. Then I was free and kept a cruising speed to the finish. I had to conserve some energy for the next day as I was doing a criterium. It was a positive results but it was more fun than the serious stuff during the important races.
The following day I did a sort of criterium in Swatar, it was organised by the msida council. I do not remember the exact name of this race but it was really interesting. Basically in each lap the last rider is eliminated until there is only one left. The lap was only 850m long but it had a sharp short hill which did the selection from the start. Riders were insane trying to keep in front. I was first in the first climb but then I was overtaken by our Junior Star Roderick (hopefully I'll match you next year) He took some 50 metres lead which I never closed, anyway I was with a team mate, sort of, cause he kept attacking me all the time. Anyway we stayed together until the lap where one of us had to be eliminated, I got across the line first and had to settle for second place although 1st in the Elite Category.
TRAPANI RACE
On the 27th June I was back in Sicily with the National Team. This time we were racing in Trapani. I have raced here before in June 2000. Same kind of weather as last time but the route was more forgiving. We had only an 8km climb and a 4km hill finish. I was in good shape and was feel good the day before. The race was scheduled to start at 9am but the start was given at 11 under the scotching sun with about 37degrees. Anyway, I was more confident then last time and thought to do something. I marked the best rider, who eventualy won the race. As soon as the start was given there was a break straight away. I was in the second group but we had some riders up infront. I marked this man all the time as I knew he was the one who was going to make a move, in fact as I noticed him coming in front from the back of the pack I just moved foward parallel on the other side. We attacked together to close the gap. We managed to chase down the first group. It took a lot out of me and I rested a bit at the back. Francesco Ballattore once again went upfront to attack again, I followed him again and attacked after him. And here were the nice story ends. I just could not keep his pace this time as we had already started the 8km climb. Lactic acid was coming out of my ears and I blew up.The rest was agony to the finish. I did not expect to blow up like this but the the heat did take its toll. The mind was there but my legs seamed to have gone already to the beach.
22/06/03
Finally I found the time to update my website, I apologise to all those who have been asking me to do so. Anyway been through the most important part of the season, after the Time Trial race I did the San Martin Road Race, this is the second round of the National Championship, I really did well, I had a hard race, Jack, my main contender was really in for it to win the race, I watched his wheel all the time and in the end I got the win in a final sprint. This win got me closer to the overall title. I was second last year in this race. The circuit is very hard, the 2km san martin hill is a killer at 30km/hr
The following week me, together with a national selection went to Sicily to climb the Etna. This race was an Udace European championship event. Never seen so many riders in my life, 337 starters, including some top Italian professionals. This was the hardest race we have ever been in.The first part of the race was flat, some 80kms but till here it was an easy ride in the bunch but after that we had to sweat out a 30km climb of the volcano. Bloody hell it was about 36degrees and humid. My drink was boiling and the pain was tremendous. I climbed at my own pace as the professionals had motorcycles instead of bikes. I managed to get at the top in one piece but maybe left one of my balls on the lava. After the race we went to the race village for the presentation and I was surprised to hear my name called for a second place in the non-professional elite category. Who would have imagined. However I was 87th overall and Jack Schiavone was just behind me in the 90th overall, he was third in the same category. Our Junior rider was 4th in the debuttanti category and 60th overall quite impressive. He's lighter and has good form.
Back to Malta, we had the third round of the road race national championship, this time in Gozo. I love this circuit and I really wanted to win here. However I had to play my tactics well as I needed to watch Jack as he was my closest contender for the title. We were racing each other all the time. We let some riders go infront as my concern was him, in fact he did not manage to get me off his wheel although he was very strong that day, I was 'al ganco' in the climb, but I managed to stay, then there was nothing to say in a sprint I put my wheel infront of his and got second place. I won my first National Road Racing title after 7 years of racing, I aim to add some more with that. I wanted to thank Tanya Blake who came to visit, she was in our team car handing out bottles. She is a good friend of me and Jack and a world class 800m runner. Win some more gold medals Tanya!!!!!
Today the road racing season came to an official end with the boring ta penellu hill climb. I hate this race, It's just a 1.6 km excrutiating hill which we have to climb flat out. Obviously the rider with the least time wins.There are no tactics here, all you need is a good pair of legs and a good gear selection, just pray that your heart and lungs don't cease. I was dying, my legs were frying in lactic acid, my heartbeat somewhere around 200 beat/minutes. What can I say, a nightmare, but I was first with 3 seconds over Jack, However jack got the overall time trial championship, and I was the runner up
25/05/03
TIME TRAIL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Good day of racing today, it was good fun. The course was nice and the weather was excellent. The only think was that I was the last one to start and had to wait for 50 minutes until my turn came. I did some 25 minutes warmup on my roller and then it was basically a full speed effort. I managed to a get the second best time, really satisfied with my performance. Not much to say about today's race, I am more concerned on next Sunday's as it's the second race of the road racing national championship and it's gonna be tough for everyone, but I am convinced I'll have a positive race.
18/05/03
CROSS COUNTRY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Today I claimed what is mine, having missed the national title in these last two years, I was really hungry to get the title this year. The race was in Dellimara and I can say I was playing on home grounds. There were the usual contenders in the race but I was determined to win the race and show my intentions early in the race. From the start I went up the first hill in a steady pace although I did try out the other riders with a couple of small efforts to see how they react. I was first up the hill but I did not hit the hammer immediately and let them chase me down. Further into the same lap in the second climb I played my ace surprisingly and gave an all out effort from bottom to top and pushed the hammer down till I was clear from everyone. I paced myself to get my breath back, as I really went over my threshold. In this race I switched to my beloved Michelin Semi slick tyres as these have less rolling resistance and go faster on this terrain, however in the third lap I pinched the front wheel in the technical downhill and had to stop and change the inner tube; eventually I was surpassed by my immediate chasers, but I was soon again in the game and got myself back to them and powered to get in the lead again and finished with some five minutes margin. I did feel I bit heavy today as I did not peak for this race and kept my training up to yesterday. I am preparing myself for the UDACE European Championships held in Nicolosi,Sicily next June. It's a 120km road race with a 17km hill finish. Hopefully I will be there in my best form.
11/05/03
ROAD RACING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND ONE ZURRIEQ-MQABBA
This is one of the races I always wanted to do some good in. It's very close to home and I spend a lot of my training over here. I think it is one of the best circuits we have on the island. My form is nearly at the top and today I showed who's boss on the road. As a team order we had to ride hard from the start to get rid of the dead meat from the start. Then we settled down and kept a steady pace, however we still had to deal with a Junior rider and played a bit until he finished his race. Then in the last two laps we had the green light and race for ourselves. I knew my chances were a sprint finish as the other riders are better time trialists then I am. We drastically slowed down the pace as we were constantly marking each other. In the last km my legs were feeling ok, then all of a sudden we were surprised by an opponing rider who chased us down, since we really were going slow. He dashed past us but I was soon on his wheel and let him fry for a bit in the final uphill drag until I flew to the finish leaving everyone out of my wheel. Really satisfied with my result. However the team's race strategy needed to be better in the end of the race, as this cost us a third place which would have easily been obtained haven't we dropped the pace in the final couple of laps of the race. Won't let it happen again next time.
04/05/03
MTB XC NATIONAL POINTS SERIES ROUND 6 MIZIEP
Today was a particular day for me. In the beginning I was not going to do this race since I had to attend to a funeral which was supposed to begin at 10:30am. So instead of racing, this morning I went out riding at 6:30 so as to finish my training before the funeral. I was riding with my team mate Jack. Well 2 hours through the ride I discover that the funeral was at 2:30pm and not in the morning. Instinctly I rushed home, got my Mtb and rushed to the race venue, hoping that my fuel reserves would last for the race. It wasn't really important to get a good result today, since I had enough points to secure my over will of the NPS, however I do not give in without a fight. The first bit was really quite, but lap two was nervous. I attacked on a really technical hill, it's a nightmare for all bikers, cause it consists of extremely rough hard rock and it really destroys your legs and with the extreme heat and humidity made it even worse. I managed to gain some 15 seconds on my rivals on the top of this incline and insisted on the pace. Eventually the gap got bigger and I cruised to victory with an advantage of four and a half minutes.at the end. I did not expect to get this margin, but I must admit that I have been training hard lately, since now we're in the middle of the important races.
27/04/03
TIME TRIAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1
The weather was not ideal for this kind of race this morning. too much wind that blew me everywhere. The heavier riders had a better chance with this wind and that was a determining factor today. The coast road is a good time trial course but it can turn into a leg breaking killer when the wind wants to be part of the game. I did a good warm up and I felt good, I still kept a good pace but I suffered a lot in the head wind uphills. to be honest if there weren't people I would have pushed the bike, but you can't do that in a race. can you? Anyway, nothing much to say, I gave it all I had till the finish and managed the 32km ride with a reputable 3rd place in a time of 45minutes:48seconds, 30 seconds down my team mate Dermot Galea in second place and around 60 seconds down my other team mate Jack Schiavone. It was a good race for the club aswell, clinching the first three steps of the podium.
13/04/03
MTB NATIONAL POINTS SERIES ROUND 5 DELLIMARA
Dellimara is my training grounds and I consider it my territory. The weather was hot, sticky and windless. Not the best conditions for a heavy hilled course. I dictated the race here as almost usual. I pushed a bit on the first lap just to get some legs (and mine) hurting. I was caught eventually, but then re attacked on the next incline to get everyone off my back wheel. I admit I had better days, my legs felt heavy and sometimes I was in agony but still managed to arrive till the finish with a hefty margin. Today I sealed my Overall victory of the National Points Series, but I will be racing back here for the National Championships next month. I shall prepare my legs better this time and hope for the better.
06/04/03
MOSTA-NAXXAR ROAD RACE - 2nd road race win
I haven't raced on this course for ages, but I think it was a good idea to re-introduce this course in the racing calendar. Today's race was pretty nervous from the beginning. Riders were hitting the hammer from the start line and the pace was kept high for all the race. Attacks everywhere you look and least to say head winds and dangerous corners. I was on the front lines for most of the race and had to do some chasing as mosta sent their man up front and had no option but go and get him. I did get some help from Pamson's riders. my team mate Jack was not feeling very fresh today and he had to sit in the bunch for most of the race. When we did reach the front runner he got dropped on the first incline and kept the steady pace with my team mate to the rest of the race. Eventually Jack hadn't any left (it was not his day today) and got dropped and cruised for a second place. I had kept my momentum to the finish to gain my second road race win of the season.
23/03/03
DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS - SALINA COAST ROAD
I really enjoy taking part in these relay events. I use them as training events, apart from being good fun, I teamed up with a new comer. A young runner, Stephen Borg from Mellieha. He finished the initial 5km run with a deficit of about 4 minutes on the first runner, I did not really mind of the time. the purpose was to enjoy racing without any pressure. I did not know how I would feel since I raced less then 24 hours ago, but still I was prepared for the all out effort. Well there is not much to say, I don't know how I did that time in that wind and tiredness. I covered the 30km distance in just 45minutes. I am impressed sometimes I just can't understand how my body responds to training. I did the best cycle leg. However we managed second on the overall event.
22/03/03
PEDAL POWER XC POINTS SERIES ROUND 4 - PEMBROKE
Been racing well lately, my form is getting better each time. the important races will be coming up shortly and am happy with with my performances. Did an excellent race in the NPS 3 in Miziep, where I finished first with a good margin. A reputable second place in an individual time trial last Wednesday and today was the icing on the cake. This was the 4th round of the national points series on the pembroke course. Today I used my new fighting weapon. I am riding a cannondale team replica bike. It works brilliantly and is very responsive and very fast. I got this bike thanks with the help of my Sponsors at No Fear with courtesy of Mr Joe Muscat of The Freeway Surfstores. The weather was perfect for a good race. We remained together in the first two laps, but then I drove away on the third where I increased the pace till the finish with a lead of over 4 minutes. Damn my legs behaved very well today. I am really satisfied with this result as it has put me closer to the overall win of the National Points Series. Tomorrow I will be giving them some more abuse as I am doing a 30 km time trial in a duathlon relay competition. Should serve well to fine tune a little bit more.
23/02/03
ST PAUL'S BY PASS ROAD RACE
You never know how a road race will evolve, either you get the right break or you loose the train to a good race. And that's exactly what happened today. The race was very nervous in the beginning and my team was making it a point to take the win home. We were trying to send someone in a break and hope for the best. The right break left but I was not part of it as I had just been chased down by the opponents, however my mates were wise enough to counter attack and ride to a first - second victory. I sat pretty at the back of the group, although it is not in my nature to sit pretty and tried to escape but I was being chased down and had no room to play. However some riders were dropping behind in the hilly sections and I ended up with another rider sprinting for the third place. In the sprint my opponent crossed my line and had to give up way before the line as I was being drifted onto two parked cars on the side of the road. Pity the race marshals did not notice accurately, but anyway - the team had a very good race, clinching the first top places
16/02/03
CENTREPOINT XC POINTS SERIES ROUND 2 - DELLIMARA
Once again the weather was awful - strong cold wind, rain and mud. It was an interesting race and hardly fought. I was infront with another rider for the whole race. I had a hard challenge, I couldn't get him off my rear wheel and I knew the game had to be played in the final lap. The finish was a bit tricky, there was this 500m downhill and a 90degrees right hander and about 70metres to the finish. I sticked with him at the top of the hill but him being a heavier rider, he had a helping hand from gravity. Anyway he was out of the downhill infront of me and just couldn't get him on the line, only if it were shifted some 10 metres further back. but that's' impossible. Good race mate, we'll definitely have plenty of similar occasions this year.
10/02/03
First road race win at the Hal Far Criterium
It was cold, rainy, windy and slippery. It was an interesting race since it was the first mass start of the season. I still lack form, my endurance is on the low side and so are my jumps. I had to play it tactical and use my energy reserves wisely.Somehow all the other opponing riders were marking my wheel and couldn't do much. I stayed in the lead group and let no one breaking away. Thanks also for the valuable work of my team mate Dermot who did an excellent job. We managed to control the race till the end and in the final lap I placed myself ready for the last conclusive sprint to the finish. I gave it everything until I crossed the finish line in front. That wasn't bad at all. but I still have some other lessons to teach to my opposition.
Back to mountain biking next Sunday for the second round of the National Points Series in Dellimara
02/02/03
Qormi-Dingli Time Trial - Missed win by a mere 2 seconds
The road racing season started today with a 12km uphill Time trial. I was quite confident that I would do a good performance as I was feeling good. From the start I pumped the cranks to gather up speed and kept a good pace. The wind was coming from everywhere but definitely not from behind. with some 2km to go I took a corner a bit wide and hit the kerb and flew over the bars. It was painful. I picked myself up and fetched my bike, realigned the bars and rode to the finish in agony. I had bruises all over my right leg, I hit badly my shin bone. I just couldn't push with my right foot. I passed the finish line with a 2 second deficit over the first. And that is tough luck. I would have got he win hadn't I lost about 45 seconds due to that fall. But that's part of the game. Will be back racing in a week's time.
12/01/03
CENTREPOINT XC POINTS SERIES ROUND 1 - PEMBROKE
Finally the racing season has started. It was a good place to test my legs today, they were fine but still need alot of tuning up for the important races. I do not particularly like this course since it is almost flat and there is little place to attack and overpass. I opted to play it safe and stick with the front people to see how the others are. It's the first race of the season you never know what your opponents have in reserve. Along the race I was feeling good, my legs were spining alright and I was planning to start attacking in the final 5 laps and see what happens. I must admit things turned my way this time cause my other opponent blew his rear tyre with 6 laps to go. I had no option but hit the hammer at that time. It was the opposite scenario last time I raced here where I finished second, so basically it was pay back time and I cruised off to the finish to get my first full points of the season. Click here to view photo of race
06/10/02
TRIATHLON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
This has been an annual event for me. I really enjoy this race. The relay team category is quite a good idea to hold. I have set up a pretty good team this year, composed of Ben Psaila ( swimmer), Jimmy Sacco (runner) and myself (cycling). The race was over an Olympic distance. i.e 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run. Ben came out of the sea just about 2 minutes behind the first relay team, I was next and covered the distance of actually 41 kms in 1 hr 2 minutes, cutting down the leader' advantage by 1.5 minutes. Jimmy took the lead in the run and crossed the line first in just 2:02. Our aim was to break the two hour mark but the weather conditions made it impossible today. The wind was very strong and the cycle had to suffer a bit because of that. But yet I managed the best cycle giving 2'45" to the second rider.
10/08/01
MTB XC SUMMER CUP ROUND THREE - Pembroke
SUMMER CUP OVER ALL WINNER
Nasty race today, still couldn't sort out my bike, The shifting wasn't so smooth but much better than last time, but hell the rear wheel got loose with two laps to go, had to stop and fix it in again. As expected my opposition attacked me in that instant and couldn't close the gap in just 2.8km and had to settle down for second. But, all in all I won the Over title for the Summer Cup competition, so there's a bright side for the story.
And that brings it to another end of season. Now it's time to recharge my batterys and chill out a bit before starting again for another racing season.
I would like to thank all those who supported me this year. I hope I did not let you down. Special thanks go to Joe Muscat at NoFear, Victor Borg at Centrepoint cycles, Roberta Galea at Cebe eyewear, Jack Schiavone at Extran, Chris Grillo at Effex Computers & Charlie Sammut at Greens Super market. A great thank you goes to Euchar Camilleri at B'kara St Joseph Sports club for their interest and support.
Cheers - Will make you eat even more dust next year - I promise
28/07/02
2 TEAM TIME TRIAL - TA'QALI
I hate early starts. I had to wake up at 6:00 hardly had a good night sleep but I was fine. We had to ride a 25km flat windy course. I defend myself very well in Time Trials but Jack is THE TIME TRIALIST. I started the TT in front to gather up speed then we just paced eachother although I admit I didn't have any in the headwind, I suffered a bit from yesterday's race but managed a good 41km/Hr Average. That was enough to get the win with a margin of over two minutes on the first losers.
Next up, in two weeks time MTB XC Summer Cup Round 3
27/07/02
MTB XC SUMMER CUP - ROUND TWO
Dellimara is my favorite course, it is also my training place. Today' I was really excited before the race but I also was in much better form than last time and was prepared for the effort. The race was nervous in the first lap, by the word go I put the throttle down on the first hill to break some legs and show who's boss, then I kept the pace steady and eventually we regrouped again, My gear shifting was a bit shitty and could not ride out of the saddle as the chain was dropping out. Apparently the other riders teamed up together and collaborated to try to make it slightly harder. We started the second lap three in front me in the second place as soon as the hill came again I increased a bit the pace and eventually the others got dropped, I forced on the pedals to get a good lead and then set a steady pace till the end of the race. Today I felt much better than last race, that endurance training served very well.
Tomorrow I am back to racing, I am doing a 2 team time trial in Ta'Qali with my team mate and good friend of mine Jack, I hope I recover well for tomorrow.
14/07/02
TRIATHLON DE LA BASTILLE
I didn't know how I would feel this morning after yesterday's race, but after the warm up my legs were ok. (yesterday's leg massage after the race did the trick) We had a good team, it was me , Isabelle (swimmer) and Jimmie (runner) really good athletes. Isaballe came out of the sea about 50seconds behind the first triatlhlete and then I rode off the 20km windy cycle section at a good speed almost reaching an average of 40km/h. by the end of the 20kms cycle I had reached the race leaders and gave the runner a good lead which he kept till the finish. We did best overall time and of course I did best bike section in about 30'30"
by the way I have included some new pics from the San Martin race - click here
13/07/02
MTB XC SUMMER CUP ROUND ONE
Back to MTB racing after a long period, I had lost the feel of off road racing but did not take much to get in control of the situation. First lap was tough, I had hard competition today and had to keep attacking all the time untill the last one dropped before the finish of the first lap. I kept a cruising speed controlling the rider behind who was not very far, My form is not in top and l Iack a bit of endurance, so I really had to control my energy reserves and secure the win rather than killing my self to get a bigger lead. I finished in top place but really need to put some more miles in my legs for the next race in two weeks time. Yet tomorrow I have another race. I have entered myself in a triatlhon race, making part of a relay team doing to 20km time trial. I hope I recover well for tomorrow.
30/06/02
EXTRAN SPORTS DRINK
As from this Summer cup I shall be using Extran Sports Drinks. I have tried Extran products last year during my GSSE & Med games preparation. Really impressive stuff especially the 200ml juice pack. Luckily Schiavone Trading have been appointed distributors of this Amazing product for the Maltese islands. for further info click on the link or call Jack Schiavone on 99466609
30/06/02
BODYKNEADS MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC
This year has been quite (you all know) particular. For those that are not aware I have obtained my international Diploma in massage therapy. All of you who require my services (special prices for MTB athletes) feel free to contact me. Click link on the left for further info
09/06/02
Road Racing National Championship Race 3- San Martin
Thank God May is over and I am able to race again after all that shit I have been through. May I take this opportunity to thank those "friends" who helped me out in this venture and making it so easy for me to continue racing. Anyway that is over now and now I am back.
Today was my first road race of the season although the season is almost over. It was the last race of the National Championship in San Martin circuit, considered the hardest race this year. had to go up San Martin Hill and down to Golden Bay seven times. I am not considered to be a good climber but I made it a point to improve in hills this year and I had all the time to train that. Today I played my cards on the first lap where I broke away from the group before the first climb together with a team mate. We kept a steady pace and increased the lead lap by lap until the fifth lap where we got caught by a rider who has been racing in Italy since last October. It was very difficult to hold to and had to settle for a second place.
On the whole I am really satisfied with my performance and my form has never been so good, especially in the hills. Now I shall finish off the road racing season and focus on the Mountain Bike cross-country summer cup where I have to prove something there.
keep tuned lads and thanks for your support - c u on the roads
24/02/02
National Points Series - race four - Dellimara
And that makes it four wins today. I felt very good, my legs were turning smoothly, I enjoyed myself today. The distance was longer and I managed to lower the time per lap from last race. There was a tail wind in the climb which made climbing a bit less horrible. I started fast, I flew on the first climb to make people suffer, I attacked in every single piece that went upwards, I got rid of the last one in the start of the second lap in this .5km 10% climb, then it was my typical solo break at full throttle till the finish. click here to view picture
03/02/02
National Points Series - race three - Pembroke ranges
With serious races coming up my form is really improving and I hope to be firing on full cylinders very soon. Today's race was very technical and also very windy, it started to rain on the first lap, but then the sun came out again, It had a very short lap and I started lapping slower riders by lap five, I even lapped the 3rd placed in the final lap. I had a small accident in the first lap I dived into a pothole and flew over the bars but I was ok, I regained my position in no time and opened the throttle for the rest of the race.it was rather short, only 21 km. We're half way through the National points series, another two good results and I am off for the overall winner.
13/01/02
National Points Series - race two - dellimara
And yet today I had another good race, I am really impressed with my performance, didn't expect this really after the Xmas (drinking) holidays but anyway it was a good boost. By the way did I tell you that I was first. The Dellimara course is very hilly and demanding, the first lap was fast, very fast, I don't remember how we climbed the first hill, seemed like a bunch of escaping prisoners, I managed to get the top first and set the pace high to keep away from attacks, I didn't attack really today but I kept constant pressure on the pedals and small boosts in the uphill sections, eventually my contenders didn't cope with my pace and got dropped.I finished with a lead of about three minutes. Now it is time to get into very serious training for the coming road racing season, these couple of mtb events did serve well to improve fitness, there's no better training than racing.
16/12/01
National Points Series - race one - miziep
Yippie! What a race today, I just kick everyone's arse. I new I had good form but being the first race of the season you never know what the other riders have in reserve. I was a bit careful in the first part of the race, I gave a couple of small attacks to see how the others reacted. The group split and remained four of us in front. By the end of lap two, I get a chain suck and had to stop to fix it. I did manage to get back in front, I rested a bit but then I struck again and left all behind me. I put the hammer down in the final two laps and managed to get a lead of 4 minutes at the end.
26/11/01
It's time to get moving, my season starts on the 16th December with the first round of the Mountain Bike National Points Series, in the course of miziep. I feel good my training is leaving the desired response. There is still a long way to go, so it's rather a race to get the engine running.
published racing schedule of the local mountainbike races for the 2001/2002 season - click here
04/11/01
Hi everyone - Finally I have found the time to update my web page. It's been a very long racing season and I've had enough of racing for the time being. I shall be working on this web page for a couple of days and hopefully keep updating it for as far as I can. so stay tuned - cya Etienne
21/01/01
FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON, CROSS COUNTRY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE
Finally the pre-seaon training is over and now it's time to see if the time spent in the saddle did any good. The first race of the 2001 season was the 2001 mountain bike national championship. The first race of three was held in the miziep course over a distance of 43kms(7 laps). The race was fast from the word go with Bonello going into the lead right from the start keeping the pace high to avoid early attacks from the contenders. By lap one the pace settled down and the race was lead by four riders. Again Etienne forced the pace and earned a substantial lead over the others, at this stage he put the hammer down till the finish doing the final six laps on his own gaining time by each lap, finishing with an over all time of 1:54. eight minutes over the second placed.
21/12/2000
NO FEAR RECONFIRM SPONSORSHIP FOR THE YEAR 2001
No Fear U S Clothing company have reconfirmed their major sponsorship for the year 2001. They have been the main sponsors for the last four years.Managing Director of No Fear (Malta) Mr Joe Muscat said that they will continue their major support and are looking foreward for a third consequtive Cross-country National Championship. He added that they are also very interested in Etienne's road racing after a superb 2000 season. Mr Muscat concluded that next season should be very interesting to follow and are sure of getting more exceptional performances out of the lad.
14/12/2000
EXCELLENT WARMUP RACE AT THE PEMBROKE CRITERIUM
Good place to test the effect of training before the proper racing begins next January with the Mountainbike National championship. The race was fast and the course was hard. but short, not long enough to test endurance .
I managed to break from the main bunch in the final five laps in chase of a leading man who had earned half a lap early in the race. The gap was too far to close in just five laps but managed to bring it down to 300metres. This was a good test to guage performance and things sound promising for the future.
November 2000
CEBE TO SIGN ETIENNE BONELLO FOR THE 2001 SEASON
CEBE the french based Eyewear and watch company will be one of the main sponsors for the 2001 season, The presentation has been made on Monday the 6th November at the Team Sport premises in Iklin. Marketing Manager of CEBE (Malta) Mrs Roberta Galea has pointed out the importance of sponsoring in sports, she added that their company will do its best to help and ecourage sports on the island. She has concluded that she was very impressed with Etienne's comitment to his sport and is looking forward to see him in action in the next racing season.
28/08/2000
A SUPERB 2ND PLACE AT THE MICHAEL JONES TROPHY (NORTHAMPTON)
During the stay with the national team in England last August 2000, Etienne has participated in a series of races as part of the preparation program for the Small Nations Games held in San Marino next May.
The race consisted of a 20kms rolling hills circuit with a total of 5 laps covering about a 100kms. There was a full field of sixty riders. The race was fast from the word go. There was continuous attacks from the contenders but to no vail, the peloton remained intact till lap three. At the end of lap four a small group managed to break loose from the main bunch. At the time Bonello was unable to insert himself with the leaders and having a teamate in front could not do anything to chase them. However the other rides were pushing hard to reach the leaders. At about 100metres from the front men Bonello bridged the gap and made it through in the front. Once there he made his way up in front in order to control the race. A gap was opened and Bonello and another two British riders found themselves infront with a lead of 70 metres. Together they pushed hard to gain more time. At about six km to the finish in the beginning of a short steep hill Bonello attacked and it was full effort for the finish. In the meantime the other two riders were caught by two other riders and they worked together to reach Etienne. They managed to do so at 2km from the finish, At this stage the race was determined for a sprint finish. The Finish was situated at the top of a slight hill. At the foot of this hill Bonello positioned himself in third position in order to get the best position in the sprint. Unfortunatley he was already suffering from cramps but still he was determined for the all out effort. At the top of the hill he was twenty five metres down from the first rider and another rider was behind him ready for the sprint. Being a powerful sprinter he managed to gain the second place in a total time of 2:36:56 an average of over 40km/h
