Weiss, Wasle retain titles in Xterra Danao

CEBU, Philippines — South African Bradley Weiss and Austria’s Carina Wasle used a strong finishing kick to overcome challenges from strong rivals and repeat as champions of the 2018 Xterra Danao Asia-Pacific Championship in Danao City yesterday.

The 29-year-old Weiss conquered the punishing terrain torched by 40 excruciating heat to retain the men’s pro division title.

Weiss covered the challenging 1.5K swim, 28K mountain bike and 8 trail run course in two hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds followed by New Zealand’s Sam Osborne who settled for second with a time of 2:17:17, while another Kiwi Kiera McPherson wound up third with a time of 2:19:47.

Wasle, for her part, kept her throne as she finished the lung-busting race in two hours, 49 seconds and 38 seconds.

“It’s very hot and you’ll never know how big your lead is so I really pushed hard until the end.  This is one of the most memorable championships for me. I was happy that I am able to defend my title,” said the 33-year-old Wasle.

Wasle was way ahead of her closest pursuer Penny Slater of Australia who registered a time of 2:52:38, while Myriam Guillot-Boisset of France landed at third in 2:56:33, clocking.

Meanwhile, Rider Omega Tri bet Micahel Acas and Alexandra Ganzon of Iloilo City topped the Asian elite battle.

Acas finished the race in 3:57:51 to claim the men’s title followed by Benjamin Rana (3:03:58) and Jonard Saim (3:34:33) for the second and third place, respectively.

In the relay event, the trio of Karen Mae Indaya, Jessie Sanchez and Joseph Arnel Emia bagged the full relay distance championship with a time of 2:24:46.

Amale Jopson, Noy Jopson and Lorenzo Borromeo won the mixed relay category while the team of Christian Joshua Gagno, and Raldy Vios ruled the all-male category.

Topping the Xterra Lite age-groups were Jose Simeon Gonzalez,Gold Mark Morgado,Adrian Dave Macabuhay, Jake Arvin Fudolig, Frederick Belcina, Roy Penaranda, Valeriano Cacayan,  Charity Rose Orcena and Lynnette Vanzuela.

The duathlon winners were Jonathan Pagaura,Gian Franco Lacson, Floyd dela Calzada,  Apolinar Mesagrande,  Lawrence Lim, Froilan Roble, Eduardo Soco,  Mary Lafiel Rabaya  and Merriam Calda.  (FREEMAN)