The Malta Tourism Authority through VisitMalta is pleased to celebrate yet another important milestone in Malta’s sporting journey, as Team Polti VisitMalta officially welcomes a second Maltese athlete to its 2026 roster, Andrea Mifsud. This announcement comes during the team’s training camp currently being held in Malta, reinforcing the strong partnership between the team and the Maltese islands.
Following the addition of four Italian riders, one Spanish, one French, and one Argentine, the inclusion of Andrea Mifsud carries special significance. Joining national champion Aidan Buttigieg, Mifsud’s signing strengthens Malta’s representation within the international professional cycling community and underlines the shared values of determination, excellence, and ambition that unite the team and VisitMalta.
After beginning his sporting journey in football, Mifsud transitioned to cycling following a serious injury. His dedication and resilience led him to become one of the standout athletes of the French Continental team Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur. Last year, he proudly obtained Maltese citizenship, a moment that carried deep personal meaning, connecting him to the islands of his grandparents and to the land where he spent his childhood summers.
A versatile rider, Mifsud has demonstrated strong performances both on the road and on gravel. Earlier this month, he proudly represented Malta at the European Championships in France, where his performance further strengthened his emotional connection to both his homeland and his sporting career.
Mifsud Expressed his Excitement at Joining Team Polti VisitMalta
“I’m honoured to have signed with this project, that goes beyond cycling itself. This is a pivotal moment for me — a reward for my dedication, work ethic and career progress. Here I have the privilege of being inspired every day by Ivan Basso and Fran and Alberto Contador, people who know better than anyone what determination and a winning mentality mean. I feel a responsibility to set an example through my performances, that will drive me to give everything I have to contribute to the team’s goals. I’ve been impressed by the staff’s expertise and professionalism, and by working closely with them and my teammates I’m confident I’ll keep improving quickly. I can’t wait to wear this beautiful jersey!”
Maltese Talent Also Shining on the International Stage
Fran Contador, General Manager of Team Polti VisitMalta, commented:
“We’re very pleased to welcome a second Maltese rider. Having both Andrea and Aidan on our roster reflects our concrete commitment to developing cycling in their country, which believes strongly in us and in a partnership that we’ll continue to strengthen in pursuit of mutual growth. Beyond competing at the highest levels, we aim to make a positive impact on several fronts. Allowing the two best Maltese talents to race as professionals is a clear sign of the path we want to continue together.”
Ivan Basso, Team Principal of Polti VisitMalta, added:
“With the race calendar we’ll face next season, we’ll need riders capable both of supporting the team and seizing opportunities when they arise. We believe Andrea has valuable qualities to express and can combine teamwork with strong performances and results.”
The Malta Tourism Authority warmly welcomes Team Polti VisitMalta back to the islands, as this partnership continues to flourish and showcase Malta’s growing prominence in international sports.
The CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority commented saying:
“We are incredibly proud to see that through the Malta Tourism Authority’s vision and investments, Maltese talent is also getting the opportunity to shine on the international stage. The inclusion of Aidan Buttigieg and Andrea Mifsud in Team Polti VisitMalta is more than a sporting achievement, it is a testament to Malta’s growing presence in global sports and the potential of our athletes. Through strategic partnerships like this, we are not only showcasing and promoting Malta to the world but also supporting athlete development. Our islands may be small in size, but our ambition knows no bounds."
Expanding in the Sports Tourism Sphere
The inclusion of two Maltese riders in Team Polti VisitMalta marks a great achievement that underscores Malta’s expanding footprint in the realm of sports tourism. Through VisitMalta’s investment in brand partnerships, the country continues to create valuable opportunities for local athletes while promoting the islands as a world-class destination for sport, culture, and hospitality.
Sports tourism remains one of the Malta Tourism Authority’s most dynamic and fast-growing sectors, a key pillar of its year-round tourism strategy. Through collaborations such as the one with Team Polti VisitMalta, Malta continues to demonstrate its capability to host professional training camps, organize international sporting events, and support athlete development at the highest level. Looking ahead, the Malta Tourism Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering international collaborations that attract athletes, teams, and fans to Malta.
