XTERRA’S GREAT COMEBACK IN DANAO

Danao City to play host to Xterra Off-Road race in April after having left Cebu shores two years ago More than 400 offroad triathletes expected to join; challenging bike course awaits

Off-road triathletes and enthusiasts will brace for a test of stamina and power on a challenging course when the Xterra Danao unfolds on April 23.

Hundreds of triathletes are expected to be in town for the offroad race, which will start and end at the Coco Palms Beach Resort in Danao City, Cebu.

“(The sporting event is) one of the greatest in recent years for Danao City. The city has hosted International MTB races before. We're happy and fortunate that the Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI) has chosen us as the host of this race,” said Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI during the official launching yesterday at the Coco Palms Beach Resort.

SEI General Manager Princess Galura said that about 300 to 400 athletes are expected to be in next month's race, which has a prize of $15,000 for the Pro division and P120,000 for the Asian elite class.

Tough field

The roster in the pro class that will be racing in the 1-5-kilometer swim, 40K off-road bike and 10K trail run course includes the likes of Ben Allen of Australia, Jacqui Slack of Britain, Bradley Weiss of South Africa, Takahiro Ogasawara of Japan, Taylor Charlton, Sam Osborne and Carina Wasle of Austria, Kiera Mcpherson, Myriam Boisset, Jacky Boisset, Brodie Garner and Jessica Koltz.

Aside from the full distance, the event will have the lite distance for those who want a shorter course and also a duathlon race.

The lite distance will have a 750-meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run, while the duathlon will have a 3K run 1, 20K bike and 5K run 2. The race will have the individual and relay competitions.

Back in Cebu

Race director Neville Manaois explained that the participants will expect to have a challenging bike course that will take them to fast downhill sections, technical sections and fast turns.

Judy Gabato of Department of Tourism 7 said that they're extending full support for the race as it promotes sport tourism.

As of March 21, the race has drawn 223 Filipino and foreign triathletes. The race is one of the legs for the 2017 Xterra Asia-Pacific Tour.

The Xterra Danao marks the return of the off-road race to Cebu after two years stint Legazpi, Albay.

The event was held in Municipality of Liloan for four straight years in 2011 to 2014.

SUNSTAR FOTO / RUEL ROSELLO LET DANAO BE KNOWN. This was the battle cry of Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI, as he wants Danao to be known to the country not just as a good host and venue for sporting events but as a tourist destination as well.