The Malta Cycling Federation organised the 2026 National Road Race Championship on Sunday 12 July at the San Pawl il-Baħar Bypass circuit. The event brought together Malta’s top cyclists and provided high-level competition across all categories.

The Elite and Junior Men competed over 15 laps covering a total distance of 80 kilometres, while the Women and Masters categories completed 10 laps over a distance of 53 kilometres.

Dominant performance by Andrea Mifsud

Following his victory two weeks earlier in the National Individual Time Trial (ITT) Championship, Andrea Mifsud continued his excellent form by also winning the National Road Race Championship, securing a prestigious national double in the same season.

Mifsud and his teammate from Team Polti Visit Malta, Aidan Buttigieg, dominated the race from the start. Lap after lap, they reduced the leading group until they were left alone at the front, with the final result being decided only in the closing metres.

The two riders crossed the finish line almost together in a time of 2:09:58, with Andrea Mifsud taking first place by just one bike length ahead of Aidan Buttigieg, who had held the national title for three consecutive years. John Camilleri of Bike it Up Racing completed the podium, finishing third in 2:19:12.

Deborah Schembri claims her first national title

In the Women’s category, Deborah Schembri of The Cyclist by Agones won her first National Road Race Championship title following a commanding performance, recording a winning time of 1:45:00.

Lindsey Pirotta of Bike it Up Racing finished second in 1:58:02, while Michelle Vella Wood of Team Greens secured third place in 2:03:44.

Champions in the Masters and Junior categories

Etienne Bonello of Team Greens also achieved a national double in the Masters 40+ category after winning the national title with a time of 1:43:25. Pierre Borg of Bike it Up Racing finished second in 1:43:26, followed by Arek Kawalec of Team Greens in 1:43:27.

In the Masters 50+ category, David Cushing of Bike it Up Racing was crowned National Champion with a time of 1:44:18, ahead of David Galea (1:46:56) and Adrian Bezzina (1:48:13), both representing The Cyclists by Agones.

In the Junior category, Andrei Cassone of The Cyclists by Agones also secured a national double by winning the title in 2:20:13, while Ryan Gatt, also from The Cyclists by Agones, finished second in 2:34:20.

National Youth Championships

The National Youth Championships were held on Sunday 10 May at the Ħaż-Żebbuġ Bypass during an event organised by Mosta Cycling Club.

In the Under-16 category, Harry Carmont of Mosta Cycling Club also achieved a double victory after winning the race over a distance of 29.9 kilometres in 48:44.83. Katie-Anne Vella Wood of Team Greens won the Women’s category.

In the Under-14 category, Ethan Cumbo of Team Greens also secured a double victory after winning the race over 21.3 kilometres in 38:18.46, while Mickaya Fava of Shamrock Stars won the Women’s category.

In the Under-12 category, Mosta Cycling Club dominated the Men’s podium with Zachary Vella taking the national title, followed by teammates Nolan Tabone and Raphael Buhagiar. Emma Micallef won the Women’s category.

Presentation of awards

The awards were presented by John Zammit, President of the Malta Cycling Federation, Joe Bajada, General Secretary, and Daniel Borg Olivier, Treasurer of the Federation, together with Hon. Graham Bencini, Shadow Minister for Sport, and Ivan Basso, winner of two editions of the Giro d’Italia (2006 and 2010).

Acknowledgements

The Malta Cycling Federation expresses its appreciation to all cyclists, clubs and officials for their participation and contribution to these National Championships.

Special thanks go to ARRTS Timing System for their professional service, as well as to the Local Councils, Transport Malta, the Malta Police Force, LESA, Emergency First Response, volunteers, timekeepers and marshals who contributed to the successful organisation of the event while ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism.