The 2026 Cisk 0.0 Cross Country Series reached an exciting conclusion on Saturday afternoon at Miżieb, where challenging conditions and soaring temperatures tested riders to their limits in the final race of the season.

With several category titles and the overall series honours still undecided heading into the finale, competitors delivered strong performances across all classes.

In the Elite category, Luke Borg produced a commanding display to secure both the race victory and the overall series title. Borg set the pace from the opening lap and successfully fended off the persistent challenge of Clyve Chetcuti, who remained in contention throughout the race. Further back, an intense battle for third place unfolded between Mark Bonnici, Brandon Sultana and Etienne Bonello, with Bonello eventually claiming the final podium position after six demanding laps.

The women’s race saw Marie Claire Aquilina take an early lead, but her challenge ended prematurely after she was forced to retire during the second lap. This opened the way for Diana Muscat to complete a flawless campaign, maintaining her unbeaten record throughout the series and securing the women’s overall title. Fiona Tedesco finished second on the day.

In the Sport category, Josmar Vella emerged victorious ahead of Raz Voskoboinik, with the win also confirming Vella as the overall category champion. He finished ahead of Keith Bartolo and Roderick Borg in the final standings.

The 40+ category was won by Alex Portelli, followed by Gordon Zahra and Jamie Camilleri. Portelli’s consistency across the entire series ensured he comfortably secured the overall title, with the race results mirroring the final championship standings.

In the 50+ category, Stephen Grima overcame several punctures to take the race victory ahead of Carmelo Abela and Domenic Cutajar. However, missing the opening race of the series proved costly for Grima, allowing Cutajar to clinch the overall category title ahead of Grima and Abela.

Strong Competition in Junior Categories

The junior races also produced competitive action and promising performances from Malta’s emerging mountain biking talent.

In the Under-19 Boys category, Ryan Gatt won the final race ahead of Matthias Abela Criminale, while also securing the overall series title. Andrea Cassone finished second in the final standings, followed by Abela Criminale.

Neil Cassar was crowned Under-17 Boys champion after a consistently strong season, while Katie Anne Vella Wood secured the Under-17 Girls title through an equally impressive campaign.

The Under-15 Girls category saw Kim Micallef Cann win two races during the series, but Amy St John claimed the overall title thanks to competing in one additional event. In the Under-15 Boys category, Ethan Cumbo maintained his dominance, finishing ahead of Zack Saliba and Kurt Grech in the overall standings.

Meanwhile, Nolan Tabone and Nick Said led the way in the Under-12 Boys category, while Amy Micallef Cann secured the Under-12 Girls title.

Malta Mountain Bike Association President Fiona Tedesco expressed satisfaction with the outcome of this year’s championship.

“We are very pleased with how this year’s series unfolded. We witnessed strong competition throughout, welcomed new faces to the sport and saw younger riders continue to progress through the ranks, which bodes well for the future of mountain biking in Malta,” she said.

Tedesco also thanked title sponsor Cisk 0.0, secondary sponsor Solar Solutions Ltd, and the many volunteers who served as race marshals throughout the season.

The Malta Mountain Bike Association will now turn its attention to the National Championships, which are scheduled to take place on 19 July.