'Exciting, but challenging race'

CEBU, Philippines - It's going to be fun and exciting, but joining the hotly-anticipated XTERRA Philippine Championship Off-Road Triathlon entails a lot of challenge for some of the world's top professional triathletes.

For one, reigning XTERRA world champion Shonny Vanlandingham expects a fast course that is highly technical.

"It's going to be a great entertainment. I'm looking forward to the race and we're very excited," said Vanlandingham in an exclusive interview with The Freeman yesterday at the Crimson Hotel. "It's going to be a fast course but it's quite technical. There are some sections that will get your attention."

Vanlandingham said the other odds they have to overcome is the hot weather currently prevailing in the Queen City of the South.

"The most challenging part is the heat. Hydration will be a key," said Vanlandingham.

2008 Japan, Saipan and France champion Renata Bucher and 2009/2010 South Africa champion Carina Wasle conformed with Vanlandingham's point of view.

"We're all coming from the winter so the heat would test our endurance," said Wasle. "But I'm really excited to race."

When asked who among them will come out victorious come the race day, Vanlandingham quickly replied in slight jest:"For sure, all of us will make it to the top three."

Meanwhile, Xterra Triathlon managing director Dave Nicholas has nothing but words of praise and admiration to Cebu as host of the unique, breath-taking spectacle set to unfold early morning tomorrow at the scenic Amara Subdivision in Brgy. Catarman, Liloan, Cebu.

"Cebu is the right place [for this event]. The trail is good. All the things we need we find here. There are a lot of families out there and the people are always smiling," said Nicholas.

Meanwhile, close to 100 participants that includes triathletes from 11 countries namely Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States are going to be tested for their mettle and endurance.

 XTERRA starts with the swim through two loops of the 1.5 kilometer course in the sea near the 100-year old Liloan Lighthouse that beams a guiding light faithfully every night protecting seafarers of the Camotes Sea.

 It is followed by a mountain bicycle segment which will traverse a 32 kilometer loop twice with a breath-taking view of the Camotes Sea on the eastern side of the course. It ends with the run portion of the race traveling a 10 kilometer loop near the San Fernando Rey Parish Church.

To add more kick and fulfillment to the race, the top placers will receive cash prizes and the limited edition Timex Expedition Trail Series Digital Compass.

Age group winners will also have the chance to race with the pros during the XTERRA World Championships in Makena, Maui on October 23.

A total of 35 slots are available, 20 for male and 15 for female participants.

Sponsors are Alaska Milk Corporation, Clear Shampoo, Timex, Prudential Guarantee, Multisport, Solar TV, Oakley, Gatorade and Crimson Hotel. (FREEMAN)