Andrea Mifsud has officially become the second Maltese rider to join Team Polti VisitMalta’s 2026 roster, alongside national champion Aidan Buttigieg.

Team Polti VisitMalta, part of the Fundación Contador and led by cycling legends Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, develops young riders through its junior and professional teams while competing internationally. Focused on both athletic and personal growth, the team upholds values of ethics, respect and excellence as it strives toward World Tour status.

Mr Mifsud, who began his sporting career in football before switching to cycling following an injury, previously competed with French Continental team Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur. He obtained Maltese citizenship last year, reconnecting with the islands of his grandparents and the place where he spent childhood summers.

A versatile rider, Mr Mifsud recently represented Malta at the European Championships in France, competing on both road and gravel. He described joining Team Polti VisitMalta as a pivotal moment in his career, citing the opportunity to learn from team figures like Ivan Basso and Fran and Alberto Contador.

“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,” Mr Mifsud said.

Team management highlighted his potential both as a strong team player and an individual competitor, reinforcing the team’s commitment to nurturing Maltese talent in international cycling.

The Malta Tourism Authority, which supports the partnership, emphasised the significance of having two Maltese riders in a professional team, viewing it as both a sporting milestone and a boost for Malta’s profile in global sports tourism.