Introducing XTERRA Malta
For the first time in XTERRA history the sport is headed to the Republic of Malta, a southern European island country that lies 50-miles south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea.
XTERRA Malta will be held March 29 at the Majjistral Nature and History Park and serve as the first of 12 events in the 2015 XTERRA European Tour, offering points for amateurs and elites, 25 slots into the XTERRA World Championship, and $7,500 USD in prize money for pros.
“XTERRA Malta is a unique race that covers every aspect of what makes the Mediterranean the sought after destination that it is,” said race co-founder Nathan Farrugia of Hellfire Events. “The swim is held in the crystal blue sea of the Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, with the bike and run in two side by side nature reserves, The Majjistral and the Gnejna Plateau. Supported by an experienced team that include top athletes, race organizers and passionate individuals, the focus of the XTERRA Malta race is to create an experience that participants will be drawn back to time and again.”
The island of Malta is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and it is said that the Maltese welcome is “as warm as our climate.”
“Whilst the beautiful beaches and rugged nature reserves are some of the most beautiful spots in the world, Malta’s archaeological and historical setting makes it a haven for travelers interested in how civilization shaped the way we live,” said Farrugia. “Interestingly, Malta’s neolithic temples are older that Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Malta has been the melting pot of Greek, Roman, Norman, Anglo-Saxon, British and Italian civilizations, but is perhaps best known for the Knights of Malta, that fought off the invading Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, in the living monument cities of Valletta and Mdina.”
Malta is easily reached by a cosmopolitan link to most European countries, including through its National Airline AirMalta and other low cost carriers including Ryanair, Easyjet, Lufthansa, and more.. Organizers can arrange for travel needs, bike transfers, race transport and stays in quality hotels for excellent prices through their partners.
“The hotels are situated at the race venue as well as in the popular town of St Julians, with plenty of shopping, restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep,” said Farrugia.
The XTERRA weekend will also feature a sprint and team relay event, as well as a kids swim-run-swim experience on Golden Bay (weather permitting).
“We respect the top pro and amateur athletes want to race hard, but we also want to make sure that every participant leaves Malta with an excellent opinion of our beautiful country, and that makes the race experience all the more important,” said Farrugia.
Learn more at http://www.maltaxterra.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/XTERRAMalta. For history, images, and tourism information go to www.visitmalta.com.
