I flew by myself all the way from Manila to Cebu to experience the very first offroad triathlon event in the Philippines held in Liloan, Cebu City last March 6, 2011.
Xterra is an all offroad, trail run, offroad mountain biking, and swim in the lake or sea. It was brought to the Philippines for Filipinos to experience the world class event participated by world-class athletes.
Xterra Philippines’ event was organized by Sunrise Events and Alaska Corporation led by Mr. Fred Uytengsu.
I stayed in a small hotel in Mandaue City which is few kilometers away from Liloan. I can’t thank enough my workmates from Cebu whom I used to communicate over phones and emails. Its so touching that they personally arranged my hotel and accommodation.
I am so thankful that going to Liloan didn’t give me much headache at all because transportation like jeepneys and taxis are available. However, I prefer to take a cab because communication among taxi drivers was not difficult as they speak both English and Tagalog except from few jeepney drivers.
It took me 15 minutes to arrive in Liloan at 6am. The weather was spectacular. No rains at all from start to finish. There, I saw few friends back in Manila.
Dr. Gap Legaspi from Team Zynapse and Team Neuro-surgeons
Team Nomads (Jose Arcega, Carla Dane Jacaba and Vincent Palisoc)
Atty. Goyo Larrazabal, The official distributor of Gu Energy Gel and the race consultant of the upcoming Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival 2011 in Ormoc City
me and my friends were able to have a quickie photo shoot with the man behind the success of Xterra in the Philippines, Mr. Fred Uytengsu as he prepares his bike in the transition area.
Sionny Vanlaughlin
Sam Gardner
one thing that really caught my attention was the arrival of Xterra’s Professional Triathletes. They just came in the transition area with their simple sporty look.
Let the race begin! A short video clip at the Camotes sea.
Unfortunately, I was not able to get inside trail as the organizer told me that security measures is implemented for everyone safety. No one is allowed inside the track so I waited for my friends at the finish line.
My friend Vincent Palisoc who did the Bike Relay from Team Nomads told me that this is one of the most challenging trails he have done so far. He showed me his bruises he got from the trail.
After Carla Dane Dizon completed her running relay and crossed the finish line, I heard few words from her “Ang Hirap”. She showed me the blisters from her feet due to the extreme heat from the sun. I asked her, will you still join the next Xterra Tri? She answered me … YES as she told me to do training with her for the next race.
I saw everybody’s fearless faces and after all the bruises and pains.. I saw smiling face at the finish line. Smile of triumph, a smile of an Xterra Warriors! I wish I have joined the Xterra Triathlon Championship.
I would like thank my usual sponsor for this wonderful experience, Xterra Philippines and Alaska for giving me the opportunity to interview the Xterra’s world-class Triatheltes.
Till the next Xterra Championship on 2012.
Leave a Reply