French cyclist Antoine Magaud of The Cyclist by Agones dominated the second stage of the 30th edition of the Tour of Malta, breaking away solo midway through the race to build a substantial lead in the Elite category and win in a time of 1:59:28, with an impressive advantage of 3 minutes and 33 seconds over teammate Kai Azzopardi, who finished second. Andrei Cassone, also riding for The Cyclist by Agones, finished third in 2:03:03, giving the club a complete podium sweep.

With this victory, Magaud claimed the prestigious red jersey and now holds a 4-minute and 14-second lead in the general classification, putting him very close to winning the Tour of Malta for a second time after his triumph in 2023, when he rode for the French club Uni Sport Lamentinois.

This second stage consisted of a Road Race on the San Martin circuit, where the Elite category competed over eight laps (62.72km), while the Women’s and Masters categories completed seven laps (54.88km).

In the Women’s category, Ellie Mitchinson (Brother UK – On Form) won her second consecutive stage in 1:58:05. Gemma Mitchell of FTP Racing Team had to settle once again for second place, finishing just one bike length behind the winner, while maintaining her 17-second lead in the general classification. Margerita Di Martino of ASD Bike Queen Sicilia finished third in 2:04:33.

In the Masters category, Carmelo Aiello of MTB ASD Rosolini – Sicilia emerged victorious in 1:46:41, after an exciting final sprint against Carmelo Nicolosi of Team Sparkle Scicli – Sicilia, who, despite finishing second, retained the red jersey with a 15.99-second lead in the general classification. Mario Marino, also of MTB ASD Rosolini – Sicilia, finished third in 1:47:55.

At the end of the stage, Joe Bajada, Secretary General of the Malta Cycling Federation, assisted by Leon Zammit and Francesco Fenech Conti from the Tour Organising Committee, presented medals and red jerseys to the winners and category leaders.

The Tour concludes tomorrow, Sunday 26 April, on the St Paul’s Bypass circuit, with races starting at 7:30 am. The Elite category will race 12 laps (64.92km), while the Women’s and Masters categories will complete 10 laps (54.1km).

The organisers appealed for the public’s cooperation regarding road closures throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of all cyclists and spectators.