Fierce battle looms in Xterra today

MANILA, Philippines – Bradley Weiss gears up for another shot at the crown against a slew of challengers out to foil his back-to-back title drive, guaranteeing a fierce battle for top honors in the men’s pro side of the Xterra Albay 2016 firing off today in Albay.

Weiss bested a tough field in the prestigious off-road triathlon which had its maiden run in Albay last year with the South African set to hit town Friday in time for the keenly awaited event that drew a stronger cast, including a slew of rookies raring to seize the spotlight from the veteran campaigners.

Also set to arrive with Weiss are last year’s third placer Ben Allen of Australia, Michal Bucek of Slovakia, Hsieh Chung Sing and newcomer Taylor Charton, a multi-event athlete who vied in athletics, rugby, soccer, cricket and tennis before moving to triathlon, along with Jacqui Slack, last year’s runner-up in the women’s side of the event hosted by the Province of Albay with City of Legazpi, Municipality of Daraga and Bayan ng Sto. Domingo as venue hosts.

Already in town are Lizzie Orchard, Cameron O’Neal, and Guamanians Charlie Epperson and Mieko Carey, Aussie Brodie Gardner, local ace Joseph Miller with Barry Lee of Malaysia also signing up for the swim-bike-run event over a challenging course with the Mayon Volcano as backdrop.

Slack and Carey, who placed fourth last year, have been installed as the top bets in the women’s side after 2015 winner Flora Duffy begged off to focus on her training for the Rio Olympics.

But with Orchard of New Zealand, a runner-up in the grand finale of Xterra Asian Tour in Malaysia, and a host of new pros joining this year’s Xterra Albay, a wide open battle for top honors looms in the event sponsored by 2Go Express as the official logistics and courier partner, Columbia, Finisher Pix and David’s Salon.

The race, supported by Shotz Sports Nutrition, DOT/TPB, Cetaphil, Intercare, Human Heart Nature, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. Coca-Cola Femsa (official hydration partner), and Tri Life Magazine, TV 5 and The Philippine STAR (media partner) and Timex (official timing partner), will test the participants’ mettle in challenging environs in courses around Mayon.

The title chase starts with the 1.5K swim in the shores of Lidong in Mayon Rivera with the 35K bike course featuring wide and open trails that provide breathtaking view of Mayon. It is a single loop point-to-point race passing through fire roads, grass roads, sands and rocky trails.

The concluding 10K run follows the ATV route in Mayon passing through rocky and sandy areas, river bed, and grasslands with the finish line set at the famous Cagsawa Ruins.

Organizers said there will be no cut-off in the run stage but the cut off time in the bike race is at 12 noon.