Hannah Pace wins Triathlon Olimpico Citta di Palermo

Covering a distance of 1.5km in what was a very challenging swim where triathletes had to battle high swells, a cycling segment of 40 kilometres, consisting of a hilly start followed but a fast flat route, and a scenic run of 10 kilometres which saw athletes run along the coast,

Pace led the female category from the very start, exiting the water in a time of 21 minutes 42 seconds.

A fast transition proceeding to the cycling segment, Pace was able to catch up with the male chase pack and keep a consistent pace on the six loops of a relatively flat course, finishing the segment in 1 hour, 1 minute and 16 seconds.

Pace covered the 10km run segment in 39 minutes 50 seconds which saw her cross the finish line as the first female in a finishing time of 2 hours, two minutes and 48 seconds.

Pace’s racing future was put into considerable doubt at the start of the year when she suffered a serious injury which saw her out of action for eight weeks.  Pace’s determination and commitment however saw her return into fine form resulting in her winning the National Cycling Championships, the first ever National Cross Triathlon Championships as well as obtaining second place in the National Open Water Swimming league.

“2014 started off as a very challenging year.  Having to contend with a serious injury,  my participation in races,  let alone positive results, were very much in doubt’ said Hannah Pace. “Working closely with my coaches, Dermot Galea, Neil Agius and Nicky Lanzon has enabled me to get back on track and obtain such results”

The season is not yet over for Pace, where she plans on racing the last race of the Birkirkara St. Joseph Sprint Triathlon Series, the National Triathlon Championships and the Triathlon Sprint di San Vito lo Capo, where she will be representing Team Garmin.

Pace’s participation in such races is possible through the support of  Garmin, Maxinutrition Malta, Cfragrances Perfumes and Two and a half Lemon Restaurant.

Good performances in the Triathlon Olimpico Citta' di Palermo were also registered by other Maltese triathletes, most notably Graham Borg - first in his Age Group, David Galea, third in his Age Group. Strong performances were registered by Jude Zammit, Bruce Zarb, Gejtu Catania and Mario Muscat