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Success at Mediofondo Hibla Mayor: Highlights & Results

Our team kicked off the racing season in style at the Mediofondo Hibla Mayor Citta di Avola, a challenging event that put our riders to the test.

The race, part of the Coppa Sicilia, featured over 300 participants taking on a demanding 77km course with 1,400m of elevation gain.

Starting from Piazza Teatro in Avola, the race began under tricky conditions with rain making the roads slick and visibility difficult. However, as the event progressed, the weather cleared, allowing for a competitive contest on the hilly terrain.

Our riders delivered an excellent performance, with John Camilleri securing a 3rd place finish in his category, followed closely by Jacob Schembri in 4th place. Their strong efforts were complemented by commendable rides from Matthew Portelli, Daniel Briffa, David Cushing, and Christopher Buhagiar, demonstrating strength and endurance from start to finish.

With this solid start to the season, our focus now shifts to the next race in Zebbug on the 13th of April. We’re eager to build on this momentum and continue pushing for top results in the races ahead.

Bike it Up Racing: A Journey of Friendship and Community

When speaking with Daniel Briffa, Secretary of the newly formed Bike it Up Cycling Team, one thing is clear—this is more than just a team; it’s a family. “Our team is built on strong friendships and mutual support,” Briffa shares. “That’s what has helped us grow and improve over the years. By sticking together and staying true to our values, we’ve found success and strengthened our bond.”

The team originally competed under the Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club’s cycling division. However, when the club was formally dissolved earlier this year, the members faced a big decision. “It was a difficult time,” Briffa admits. “We could have gone our separate ways, but instead, we chose to continue our journey together.” Bike it Up was born, carrying forward the same team spirit and determination.

A Fresh Start in 2025
Looking ahead to their first official season as Bike it Up Racing in 2025, the team is excited for the opportunities ahead. “The transition wasn’t easy,” Briffa explains. “But we’re looking forward to the year ahead, both in competition and in building a stronger cycling community.”

The team is committed to making cycling accessible to all, not just competitive athletes. “We want to promote cycling as more than just a sport,” Briffa says. “It’s a way to stay active, explore new places, and improve overall wellbeing.”

Local and International Goals

While maintaining their close-knit atmosphere, Bike it Up has big ambitions for the coming year. “We’ll be competing in all major local cycling events, including the Tour ta’ Malta and the National Championships,” Briffa shares. “We’re also proud to support and participate in races organised by fellow sports clubs.”

Beyond local races, the team is preparing for international competition. “Our first event abroad will be the Mediofondo Hibla Major Città di Avola in Sicily,” Briffa reveals. “After that, we’ll take on the Trofeo Puglisi in Floridia, the Gran Fondo di Ragusa, and a UCI race in Turkey later in the year.”

More Than Just Racing

Despite their competitive goals, Bike it Up remains focused on its core values. “Success isn’t just about podium finishes,” Briffa says. “It’s about the friendships we’ve built and the people we’ve inspired.”

With a strong sense of teamwork, ambition, and passion for cycling, Bike it Up is set to make an impact both on and off the racecourse. As Briffa puts it, “Cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a journey, an adventure, and a way to connect with others.” And with that mindset, the team is ready to ride towards a bright future.

SOURCE: https://maltasport.mt/malta-sports/malta-cycling/cycling-together-interview-with-daniel-briffa-secretary-of-bike-it-up-cycling-team/

Training Ride in Sicily: Preparing for the Mediofondo Hybla Major – Citta di Avola

Our team had a great training ride in Sicily to prepare for this weekend’s race in Avola, part of the Coppa Sicilia. This was a recon ride, meaning we checked the route to get ready for race day.

Thanks to Giancarlo, we settled into Terrazze Sul Mare Hotel before rolling out at 9 AM for what would be a fast 170km ride.

The route had 1,900 meters of elevation gain, including the 76 km race course. It had two main climbs. The first was Avola Antica, an 8 km climb at 5% with many hairpin turns and amazing views. After that, we rode through quiet country roads to the second climb, from Noto to Testa dell’Acqua, a 15 km climb at 4%.

We finished with a fast descent back to Avola before heading home to Pozzallo. It was a challenging but beautiful ride. Now, we’re ready for race day.

Sicilian Ride

Our latest team adventure took us beyond the shores of Malta, to the scenic roads of Sicily. With an early morning ferry to Pozzallo, we arrived eager and ready for a full day in the saddle. Thanks to Giancarlo, we settled into Terrazze Sul Mare Hotel before rolling out at 10 AM for what would be a thrilling 145km ride.

With perfect weather and clear skies, the first 90km were a fast and steady affair, with our rouleurs setting the pace on relatively flat roads leading west to Marina di Ragusa. Spirits were high, the coastal views were stunning, and the group stayed tight. But the real test awaited.

Turning inland, we took on the 8km climb to Comiso, averaging a 5% gradient—just enough to let the climbers show their strength. As always, the top of the climb served as a natural regrouping point before we powered back towards Pozzallo at a fast tempo, working as a unit.

After 4 hours and 10 minutes in the saddle, with an impressive average speed of 35kph, it was time to refuel. A well-earned meal in Pozzallo capped off a perfect day before we hopped back on the ferry, returning home with tired legs and great memories.

Until the next one!