This year witnessed the launch of the Agones Series. The series consisted of four different events, based around the outskirts of the village of Gudja, in the beautiful, arid village of Ħas Saptan. The events consisted of a 5km trail run around Gudja’s valley, a 20km bike time trial along the runway cycling lane, a unique 10km night cross country bike race and last but not least a cross country duathlon.
Everyone could take part in this series: an individual could participate in one specific event or step up the challenge and take part in the whole series. Winners and prizes were given out after each event, although the most prestigious award in the Agones Series was the male and female champion. This title was awarded at the end of the series, based on a point system accumulated during the whole series. I decided to stand up for this challenge and take part in each event. None was easy as the competition is always there. The scenic Chapel of Ta Loreto and the valleys situated on the outskirts of Gudja served as a perfect background for the first event of the Agones Series, a 5km trail run. Over 60 runners took part in this event.. I remember that even though it was in the beginning of April, it was quite hot, and in such an arid valley, the heat was worse. But I took the lead in the first few metres, pushing hard until the end, thus finishing and crossing the finishing line in 21minutes 35 seconds. The second of the four events consisted of a 20km time trial, held in a hot and humid Sunday morning in the month of May. I placed in the top three of the female category, and this made me open a good lead over my rivals. The third event was new for me since I had never raced a mountain bike race, and to make it worse, at night! It was a 20km pure adrenaline rush circuit! I knew that once the sun was down, it was going to be a different story. Racing in pitch dark is more risky and tactics might come in handy as much as power in the legs. It also meant that in the dark my concentration levels had to stay as high as possible. It was also hard for me to grab the water bottle and take a sip, so, afraid of risking it too much, I did not drink in the last lap when it was that pitch dark. I was overtaken in the first lap by Corrina Mocking but determined to take it further, I pushed for the rest of the route. I was getting stronger and stronger with each few metres, so much so that I reached Corrina in the last lap and winning the race with a final sprint! With my win I once again stretched my lead in the overall standing. All I had to do to win the overall series was do the last race and place in the top three. But I was determined to win the last race, the offroad Duathlon! Duathlon is my favourite race. I simply love it and love the transitions from run to bike, bike to run! Even though I was drop dead tired, since I had successfully finished the Maratona dles Dolomites in 7hrs 50minutes Sunday before, I remained positive and focused.
I took the lead in the first 2km run but with the second female a few seconds behind me, I knew I had to push it on the bike. And I did, leaving me at first place for the whole race. The 5km run was quite hard since it was now around 10 am in a hot July Sunday morning, making it worse for my wobbly feet to perform better! But I kept focused and increased my pace, making me cross the finish line in a superb time of 1hr 05 mins and being the overall Female Champion. This was not only a wonderful experience but it also showed how much I am seeing improvement from one training session to the next, one race to the next. All this thanks to the excellent coaching and support of Dermot Galea.
Marica
