Ironman bike leg to pass through CCLEX

CEBU, Philippines —  The most exciting international triathlon event in the country is set to return to Cebu in a grand fashion as triathletes will cross the newly-opened Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway on August 7.

"We are proud to host the bike leg of the IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines on August 7, 2022 and provide triathletes and local and foreign spectators alike the ultimate CCLEX experience," CLEX's Facebook page announced.

The sealing of the partnership between the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) headed by its president, Allan Alfon, and the organizing Ironman Group's Princess Galura and Sunrise Philippines and Ironman Philippines ambassador Wilfred Uytengsu was also revealed yesterday.

Also present during the signing of the deal were Herbert Laboy, vice president and project manager of CCLEC and Congresswoman-elect Cindi King Chan of the Lone District of Lapu-Lapu City.

The Ironman action in Cebu went to a sudden stop after seven straight years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were attempts to hold one in 2020 and 2021 but cases of COVID-19 were also up.

At least 1,500 triathletes are expected to join the battle but based on the reactions of triathletes, swimmers and runners, more have expressed interest to see action.

Aside from the thirst of an action-packed race participated not only by locals but even international stars, triathletes are looking forward to racing in the country's longest bridge to date.

The CCLEX is considered as an engineering marvel here.

The CCLEX is 8.9-kilometer modern toll road in Metro Cebu, designed to withstand winds of up to 250km/h and hovers 52 meters above the Mactan Channel, as it links Cebu City and Municipality of Cordova.

The South Road Properties where the bike part of most IM races here are done have already been considered a very tough route to take, yet, a much tougher route at the CCLEX is being anticipated.

Aside from the CCLEX for the bike race, participants are also expected to be dealing with a different swim course and run course with Shangrila's Mactan still undergoing a facelift after being badly affected by the Typhoon Odette middle of December 2021.

Organizers of the event represented by Galura already made courtesy calls to the local government units involved in the event.

During their meeting with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, The Freeman learned that Rama told Galura to consider starting and ending the event in Cebu City itself via the South Road Properties in the near future. — GMR (FREEMAN)