4th Duathlon Title

Hi Everyone

A week after winning the second race of the Sicily triathlon series I had another important race which was one of my main races for this season, the National Duathlon Championships. I knew that winning again these championships was not going to be easy as the competition is very high and since it was draft legal everything was possible so I had to be very careful and play my cards well

The race was held in Hal Safi and consisted of a 4km run, 20km bike and a 2.5km run. I went into the lead from the very beginning setting my own pace. As expected I was closely followed by my team mate Shaun Galea, Steve Chetcuti and James Cuschieri who very good runners. The race was getting very interesting as we all came in together in T1.

I made an attack from the very beginning of the bike in to break away from my team mate and managed to open a gap. It was a crucial moment of the race and kept on pushing to increase my advantage. I was feeling very strong on the bike and was increasing the gap in every lap. I entered in T2 with almost a minute lead. In the second run I mastered my advantage and went on to win my 4^th Duathlon title in a good time of 54.59. I am really happy that I won these championships. It was a hard race and my team mates were very strong today who made me really work hard to win.

I would like to thank my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Catalin Stan, my parents and my wife’s family, my masseur Owen Attard and my nutritionist Johanna Galea,  my sponsors Garmin Malta BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Mochika Outdoor Life, Lucida Laundry, dgtri.com, Starbene 24/7, Team Barry Malta International Challenge Marathon, his Club Birkirakara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, the Maltese Olympic Committee and Sportmalta for the constant support.

Also a big thanks goes to my number 1 supporter, my wife Elizabeth for her constant support and patience and to Jason Muscat (Captureme Photograph)  Angie conti and Mark Borg for coming to our race and give us these great shots. I want to dedicate this victory to my friend Jake Vella. Good luck my friend and keep strong.

That's all for now

Keep you posted

Yours in Sports

Keith Galea

A win in Marzamemi gives me the lead in the Sicily Triathlon Series

Hi Everyone

Recently I took part in the Second race of the Sicily Triathlon Series. The second race was a sprint distance triathlon held in the historic place of Marzamemi. The race which was organized by the Italian triathlon federation had the title of Sicily’s regional championships thus attracted a lot of high profile athletes including top professional Italian athletes enrico schiavino and Ennio Salerno who was the favorite to win the race

After not being in top shape in the first race in Pergusa last month due to sickness, I wanted to do a great performance. The race took long to start, almost an hour for the actual time and this ruined all the warm up done before, thus effected my start was slower than usual. I came out of the water few seconds behind the main group. Following a very fast swim-bike transition, I pushed the first kilometers of the bike and caught the leaders in the first lap. A group of five was formed who was leading the race. I made several attacks in the second lap and noticed that the others were struggling.

In the third and last lap, I made my move which proved to be the winning one. I attacked in the last uphill section. I manged to do the difference thus opening a good gap. I continued with this effort till T2 to increase the advantage as much as possible. Then went on to tackle the 5km run and managed not only to hold on to my advantage but managed to increase my lead to win the race in 59minutes 28 seconds and the lead in the general classification

I am very pleased with my performance. I did not expected to win the race but thanks to good race tactics and very powerful legs during the race help me to achieve a great result. Conditions were very difficult as it was very windy and the level of the race was very high and am really happy to have won such a prestigious race which helped me to bounce on top of the general classification. I would like to say a big well done to the organizers of the series for another high standard  race organization. A very big well done also  to my friend Micheal Gafa for his wonderful performance  in his first experience abroad with a personal best time. Well done mate and thanks for your support during the trip

I would like to thank my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Catalin Stan, my parents and my wife’s family, my masseur Owen Attard and my nutritionist Johanna Galea,  his sponsors Garmin Malta BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Mochika Outdoor Life, Lucida Laundry, dgtri.com, Starbene 24/7, Team Barry Malta International Challenge Marathon, his Club Birkirakara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, the Maltese Olympic Committee and Sportmalta for the constant support. Special Thanks also goes to Virtu Ferries and sportmalta who supported this trip.

That's all for now

Yours in Sports

Keith

2nd win in a row

Hi Everyone

After the Pergusa Duathlon Sprint in Sicily, I immediately concentrated on my training and I participated in the Tour of Malta. It was a very tough tour and training before and after each stage made it really hard. I managed a good 11^th Place overall in the general classification with 3 out of 4 stages in the top 10. I am very pleased with my tour considering I was on training and did not peaked for the tour. Managing to stay with the top cyclists who peaked for this tour is a very positive for me.

 A week after I participated in the Dingli Sprint Duathlon organised by the Mellieha AC. After the tour I was really tired and my concern was to recover quickly for the race. I went immediately into the lead from the beginning. I wanted to do the first 5km fast but I wanted to keep legs fresh for the rest of the race. I came in first in T1 in 16.46 together with teammate Steve Chetcuti.

After a pretty good transition I pushed immediately the first km on the bike to build a gap. At first my legs were all with lactic acid. I decided to keep the pace and once I feel my legs better I start to push more. After 10km my legs were feeling much better and started to really dig in. It was very windy on the bike but still managed to increase my lead on the bike and entered in T2 first with the best time of 33.21

I kept on pushing to my limit in the 2.5km Run covering it with the best time of the day of 8.50 to win the race in a time of 58.57. I am very pleased with my performance. It was a very tough race to win. The competition was of a very high level and the windy conditions made it even harder. However I really enjoyed doing the race. I really like the hilly route and I would like to say a big well done to Mellieha AC for organizing such a high standard race

I would like to thanks my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Catalin Stan, my parents and my wife’s family, my nutritionist Johanna Galea, my masseur Owen Attard, my sponsors Garmin Malta, BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Mochika Outdoor Life, Lucida Laundry, DGtri.com, Team Barry Malta International Challenge Marathon, starbene 24/7,  my club Birkirkara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, the Maltese Olympic Committee and SPORTMALTA for the constant support. Most of all a big thanks goes to my wife Elizabeth for her constant a great support.

That’s all for now

Yours in Sports

Keith

2nd Place in Pergusa Sprint Duathlon

Hi Everyone

Lately I participated in the first race of the Sicily Triathlon Series. This Series is a circuit of 6 races around Sicily where the level is expected to be very high. The first race of the Series was a Sprint Duathlon which was held in the Race Track of Pergusa in Enna. The Race consisted of a 5km Run – 20km Bike and a 2.5km Run.

The build-up for this race was not an ideal one as he got sick a week before the race and I was under antibiotics treatment. However I was still determined to produce a good performance. The weather in Pergusa was very tough as it was very cold and kept on raining for the whole weekend

I started the first run in the lead setting his my pace and trying to make selection. I came in T1 leading the race with another five athletes covering the 5km in a very good time of 16.25. After a fast transition I immediately attached the bike. Only Race Favourite, Enrico Schiavino and Domenico Lo Faro kept on my wheel. At this stage I knew that the victory was going to be between us. Since I was not feeling 100% sharp due to the antibiotics I had to play my cards well

I tried several attacks on the bike but could not get the other 2 athletes off my wheel. The road was all flat and it was raining and windy so it was even difficult to make the difference. We came in together In T2 covering the 20km in 31minutes. It was crucial moment of the race and I tried to do my fast transition to go out first and open a gap but unfortunately due to the cold weather, my hands were numb and lost precious seconds.

Schiavino went out of T2 first.I followed him just a few seconds behind. I did my best to close the gap but I was not feeling very powerful due to the cold weather and antibiotics. I managed to hold on to 2^nd place finishing the race in a time of 58.40 just 17seconds only behind Race winner Enrico Schiavino and winning my category in the process

I am very pleased with his performance. I feel that I was unlucky that I got sick few days before the race as I think I could have gone much faster. Unfortunately had a slow transition due to numb hands which I lost precious seconds which costed me the overall victory. However I am  very happy that he won my category and would like to thank my parents and my wife's parents,  my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Catalin Stan, his sponsors Garmin Malta, BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Team Barry – Malta International Challenge Marathon, Starbene 24/7, Mochika outdoor life, DGtri.com, Lucida Laundry, his Club Birkirkara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, the Maltese Olympic Committee for the constant  support and Sportmalta for their constant support and for funding this race. A big thanks goes to my super wife Elizabeth for her great patience and support

That's all for know

Yours in Sports

Keith

First race of the season - First win

On Sunday 14^th February the Multisport season kicked off with the Mochika Draft-Legal Duathlon organised by Agones Sfc at Half Safi. The race consisted of a 4.4km run, 18km bike and a 2.2km Run. I wanted to send a clear message that I will be fighting for top honours again this year. I managed to do so  with a very good performance

                                        

I made my intentions very clear right from the start by going immediately in the lead of the race setting up a restlessness pace. Only young promising athlete Shaun Galea managed to match my pace. Conscious that I was sick for a week prior to the race I did not want to overdo it. We both came in together in T1 covering the first run in 15.10, 20seconds faster near the nearest athletes.

                         

Both went out together but I immediately made a powerful attack right from the start which I managed to made the difference I wanted. My pace on the bike was really powerful that I was increasing my lead in every lap. At one point a group of 10 cyclist formed behind me and were working together. I was a bit worried that my lead will be reduced but I managed to hold on

I covered the 18km bike in 29.47 which was the best bike of the day and started the 2^nd run with a good lead. However I kept on pushing as I was on track to beat my own course record. I managed to do so winning my first race of the season in 53.08 which is a new course record by over 2mins

I am very pleased with my performance especially with the bike as I felt really good and gained a lot of time on the other athletes. This year I changed slightly my approach in my daily training and this course record proves that I am on the right track and am really looking forward for my upcoming races especially my international commitments which will start next March

I would like to thanks my coach Dermot Galea, his swimming coach Catalin Stan, his wife, his parents and his wife’s family, his nutritionist Johanna Galea, his sponsors Garmin Malta, BBB Cycling Malta, Jayce Malta, Team Barry Malta Challenge Marathon, DGtri.com, Mochika outdoor life, starbene 24/7,Lucida Laundry, his club Birkirakara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, the Maltese Olympic Committee and sportmalta for their constant and great support.

That's all for know

Yours in Sports

Keith

Great 3rd Place in the Malta Challenge Marathon to finish the best season of my career

After winning m 5^th National Title and the Sicily Triathlon Championships in San Vito lo Capo my focus went on the Malta International Challenge Marathon. This was my first attempt to do this 3 day challenge so I really planned everything to the detail as much as possible especially in those 3 days were my main concern was the recovery and the diet. 2 weeks before the race I did the Zurrieq 10km were I finished in a good 3^rd place in a time of 34.10 just 10seconds away from the winner. This result was very encouraging as my running speed was on target

In Stage 1 we covered a distance of 11.195km were I placed 3^rd overall in a time of 39.30, a personal best on the route. The course was very hilly so I was pleased with my time. In the 2^nd Stage, the race was held in B’Bugia. I covered the 6km in a time of 20.28 again finishing in 3^rd place. I was spot on target as I was 3^rd overall and I was going for a time of 2hrs 35mins in all

On Sunday, we had the last stage. 25km from St Paul’s Bay till Valletta. I had to admit that I was a bit excited before the race. I was 3^rd overall but I only had 45 seconds advantage from the 4^th placed runner and he was a pure marathon runner. I am a triathlete and I was going to do my longest ever running race with 2 races already in my legs. But I was determined to finish in third place no matter what

It was a race were I had to handle a lot of stress and pressure. The French man stayed behind for all the race and attacked me in the down hills. I always kept my pace and managed respond to his attacks by keeping my own pace. But at 4km to go we had the Police Depot hill of Floriana and it was the right time to attack. My legs were tired but I did not want to finish in a sprint finish. I had to risk so I closed my eyes, and I attacked. I managed to open a good gap. The French guy did not respond and I continued pushing till the finishing line. I used all the energy left on my body. Crossing the finishing line on Valletta in 3^rd place among Malta ‘s top runners and very good intentional runners Is a great result and a great emotion. I finished 3^rd overall covering the 25km in 1hr 34mins 46 seconds for a total time of 2hrs 34mins 35seconds.

When crossing the finishing line my body really collapsed and had to go to the ambulance. I was totally knackered. All the efforts, pressure and the stress of the whole season took its toll but I did not care. I was happy with my result and now I can rest as the challenge was the last race for 2015. After the challenge I took a week off with very light training and I resumed my normal training schedule the week after.

In fact my preparations for the 2016 seasons started really well as I am l ready posting very fast times during my training. Also I took part in the 10km Fleur de Lys organised by my club Birkirkara St Joseph and I finished in 2^nd place in a good time of 33.57 which is a personal best on the course and less than 30seconds away from my personal best. I am really looking forward for next season. My target is that not only I continue were I LEFT IN 2015 but I want to be faster, stronger and quicker. It is not easy but not impossible and I am going to train really hard to achieve my targets

I would like to thank my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Catalin Stan, my parents and my wife’s parents, my nutritionist Johanna Galea, my masseur Owen Attard, my sponsors Garmin Malta, BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Malta Challenge Marathon, Mochika Outdoor Liwe, Lucida Laundry, DGtri.com, and Starbene 24/7, my Club Birkirkara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, the Maltese Olympic Committee and sportmalta for the constant support .Also a big thanks goes to my No 1 Supperter, my wife Elizabeth for her support and great great patience

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2016. Thanks a lot for following my blog. Keep you updated

That’s all for know

Yours in Sports

Keith

A good run gives me a great win in the Sicily Regional Championships

Hi Everyone

Still fresh from my 5^th National Triathlon Title, I participated in the Regional Championships of Sicily which were held in San Vito Lo Capo in the province of Trapani. The Triathlon was composed of a 750m swim, 20km bike and a 5km run. The race was of a very high level as the best Sicilian triathletes and triathletes from Italy participated in these championships.

I had a good 750m swim and came out of the water forth but in the main group. After a good transition, I stayed in the main group controlling my rivals and at the same time reserving my energy for the run. In the last 5km of the bike segment, Daniele Galasso from team Reaction of Udinese attacked the main group. I, counter attacked and followed Gallasso. Although I was riding on a flat tyre, I still managed to control my bike and worked well with Galasso and opened a good gap from the main group.

After a fast transition I took the lead in the beginning of the run and was gaining ground on Galasso and the rest. My pace was so high, that no one could match it and went on to win my 24^th win of the season in a course record time of 57.14. Galasso finished second in 57.58 whilst Vincenzo Tommasello of Multisport Catania finished third in 58.05

A week after I took part in the Garmin 15m. This was my 7^th straight race since the beginning of September. I did not rested after the triathlon in San Vito lo Capo as I had to continue training hard as I want to peak for my last target of this season, the Malta Challenge Marathon. My legs were tired so I was expecting much and took this race as a hard training session

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Started the race in the lead with Mark Herrera and Charlton Debono. I knew that I had to make my move early as I don’t want to end in a sprint finish. I did two good attacks but my legs could not sustain the pace and in the last 500m Charlton and mark Herrera attacked and I could not respond as my legs were just stuck in the pace. I finished the race in a time of 16.35 in 3^rd place.

I am very happy with both races. I am pleased with the Sicily race as I raced perfectly. I used my head well. I did the right move at the right time which gave me a good win abroad with a course record. In the 5km I wished I went much faster but I could not pretend more from my legs as they were tired due to the amount of training and racing so in all the time for a training race is good

I would like to thank my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Catalon Stan, my nutritionist Johanna Calleja, my masseur Owen Attard, my parents and my wife’s parents, my brother in law neil galea and his wife Alin, my sponsors Garmin Malta, BBB Cycling Malta, Jaycee Malta, Mochika Outdoor Life, Challenge Malta Marathon, Lucida Laundry, Starbene 24/7, Dgtri.com, my Club Birkirkara St Joseph, the Malta Triathlon Federation, sportmalta, and the Maltese Olympic Committee for the constant support. Most of all a big thanks goes to my wife Elizabeth for her constant support but most of all for her great patience with me

That’s all for now

Yours in Sports

Keith