By Nancy Ibo Mediavillo
LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 8 (PNA) — “The terrain is so untouched and it is very challenging. I think everyone who finished today was a true champion. I really love the place. Filipinos, particularly Albayanos, are so welcoming and generous to us,” claimed Bradley Weiss as he stressed that he loves to come back here.
It was indeed a wonderful experience, Weiss added.
The Xterra Philippines in Albay was his third time in the Philippines, with twice in Cebu.
Weiss admitted the hardest trail for him was that of biking race, with a lot of climbing or elevation that provided lot of challenges to small athletes like him.
Mauricio Mendez of Mexico, who was the youngest among the professional players, placed number two in the competition.
Mendez said he is eyeing for the world championship title in the future, but according to him, there are so many strong guys in the group and he learned a lot from them
He said he started playing triathlon when he was ten years old.
Mendez claimed that in Albay, he experienced an amazing trail — unbelievable, demanding and hard.
But, he emphasized, he loved it.
“Every time I looked at the Mayon Volcano I felt so amazed. Meaning, it’s a celebration once you see the volcano,” the young Mexican triathlete said.
Flory Duffy of Bermuda and the champion in the female pro-category sustained her lead in swimming, biking and running.
After the Xterra Philippines in Albay, she said, she will be preparing for the Xterra in South Africa.
Duffy added that for the year, she will be joining 15 to 16 competitions before the Maui, Australia World Championship in November this year.
She narrated her experience in Albay.
“It was fun. I enjoyed the trail although biking was very challenging. But I want to come back here. A very beautiful place. Mayon Volcano is pretty magnificent, I can’t stop looking at her, the hotel is upon the hill and it looks near to the volcano and its just so cool,” the female triathlon champion claimed.
Wilfred Uytengsu Jr. of Sunrise Event said all the athletes enjoyed the course.
“This unique terrain that Albay has is God’s gift,” Uytengsu said.
He thanked Governor Joey Sarte Salceda for the success of the event and is looking forward for the next Xterra Philippines in Albay for the next two years.
The race was participated in by 307 triathletes from 18 countries.
Among the Filipino personalities that took part in the race were Sen. Pia Cayetano and actor-triathletes Ryan Agoncillo, who came with his actress-wife Judy Ann Santos; Matteo Guidicelli and Paul Jake Castillo. (PNA)