XTERRA promises the wait will be worth it as it takes athletes to a higher level of competition in Legazpi City in Albay on June 17.
After being postponed for almost two months due to the Mayon Volcano eruptions, the premier off-road triathlon series is all set, offering a tougher and more challenging race course.
Sunrise Events founder and triathlete Fred Uytengsu warned the participants of what to expect in the 1.5-kilometer swim, 28-km mountain bike, and 8-km trail run event.
“There’s a brand-new race course, it’s a challenging race but most of all there’s the people’s tremendous hospitality,” said Uytengsu during the press conference on Tuesday at Seda Hotel in Taguig City.
Back-to-back champion Bradley Weiss from South Africa is itching to get his third title after the tournament’s one-year hiatus.
Austrian Carina Wasle, who dominated the Xterra Danao last month, is heavily favored to win as defending champion Flora Duffy of Bermuda won’t see action in this year’s competition.
Meanwhile, Legazpi City mayor Noel Rosal is pleased to welcome the participants.
“In Legazpi every time there’s an eruption, the number of tourists coming in increase,” said Rosal.
“But it (the eruption) has became worth it because we have prepared more,” he added.
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