Maltese triathlete James Camilleri has been forced to abandon his plans to compete in a Triple Ironman later this month after suffering a broken collarbone in a cycling accident in St Paul’s Bay.

The 31-year-old was nearing the 100km mark of a planned 180km training ride on August 2 when he hit a pothole in Triq San Pawl, causing him to be thrown from his bicycle.

Camilleri had been preparing for his first Triple Ironman, scheduled for August 28, while also raising funds for Caritas Malta.

Following the accident, he was taken to hospital initially hoping that his injuries were not serious. X-rays and further examinations, however, confirmed that he had fractured his collarbone. He also suffered grazes to his back, legs and arms.

The accident came just five weeks after Camilleri completed a Double Ironman at the Bretzel Ultra Triathlon in Colmar, France. He finished fifth among 18 competitors after completing a 7.6km swim, 360km cycle and 84.4km run in 28 hours and 28 minutes.

Camilleri said the latest setback was particularly difficult after the sacrifices involved in preparing for the Triple Ironman and because of the fundraising element of the challenge.

He has raised around €4,000 for Caritas Malta since June and is now looking at alternative ways to continue supporting the charity despite being unable to compete.

The triathlete has also called for action over the condition of Triq San Pawl, describing the road as containing excessive potholes and urging the authorities to resurface it.

He said he had chosen the route to avoid busy bypasses and speeding traffic but was aware of other athletes who had suffered injuries while cycling along the same road.

Camilleri recalled that the accident happened in a matter of seconds. After being thrown from his bicycle, he found himself on the ground and initially believed he had suffered little more than road rash. It was only after getting up that he realised the extent of his injuries.

He has since returned home to recover and said his immediate priority is to rest and regain his fitness.

“The accident could have been avoided if we had decent infrastructure,” Camilleri said in a social media post, while appealing for the road to be resurfaced to prevent similar incidents.

He has contacted the organisers of the Triple Ironman to ask whether he could participate in next year’s event and is awaiting a response.