Busting myths (and some knees) at the 2013 Xterra Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Backs broke, bikes crashed, blood spilled, bones cracked, and a handful of badass triathletes brought it all home. At gun-start, the Vaseline Men Xterra Philippines 2013 officially started summer with the country’s most punishing triathlon ever.

Attracting 462 participants from 17 countries, setting off on a trail of 46.5 kilometers of open-water beach, drops and climbs under the searing sun, the Xterra Philippines is the qualifying event to the Xterra World Championships in Maui. Yet, even the most seasoned off-road triathletes would say that what they encountered in Liloan was their most challenging.

Seeing it up close, any preconceived notions about triathlon are replaced by a greater understanding of the sport and its sportsmen, and how these people can push themselves to the extremes and still come off stronger, faster and better.

MYTH #1: Triathlon is only for pros

FACT: While triathlon requires months of rigorous training and body conditioning, it doesn’t mean that first-timers don’t stand a chance against the pros. With many factors to consider — trail design, weather, category specialization, and fate — the outcome of any triathlon is unpredictable. The Xterra Philippines Championship 2013 attracted 172 first-timers and saw an interesting line-up of Xterra Philippines winners.

Back-to-back Xterra Philippines champion Ben Allen was the first to finish in two hours, 37 minutes (2:37). This schoolteacher from Australia may not be a poster boy for the testosterone-induced sport, but Allen spends six months a year training in the rugged outback, producing this medal-hogging, zero-fat speed machine.

Filipino Elite Champion, Joseph Miller of Zamboanga is a constant presence at the Xterra Philippines since 2011, where he placed sixth. He placed fourth last year, and was aiming for the top three this year. He recalls that he doubled up on his training, neglecting time with his family. So when it was time to get his trophy, he brought along his young daughter to claim the ultimate prize.

The women winners are more notable; they are both first-timers at the Xterra Philippines. At 2:45, British Lesley Paterson, two-time Xterra World Champion finished first for the Pro Women’s Category. Despite the heat and the impossible trail, she still emerged with the crown. Alexandra Ganzon bagged the Filipino Women Elite trophy despite this being her first try at Xterra Philippines. She admits that a lot of practice and hard work led to her win, but she didn’t have competition in mind: she raced to have fun.

MYTH #2: Triathlon is an urban sport

FACT: Consider the traffic, the pollution, and the inevitable swim in either Manila Bay or Pasig River. The metro isn’t your ideal swim/bike/run playground, right? So, far removed from killer jeepneys and mutant janitor fish, triathlons are best reserved for the great outdoors.

The Municipality of Liloan, Cebu has been hosting the Xterra Philippines for three years now. Mayor Duke Frasco, a triathlete himself, has made his town the home trail of this event. With its rolling hills, sloping ravines and the whirlpool beach it derives its name from, Liloan is not short of challenges to test the best and worst in every triathlete. “I used a lot of bad four-letter words, going through that course,” recounts organizer Fred Uytengsu.

But its hostile terrain is made bearable by the warmth and hospitality of the Liloans, where residents wait at every turn to cheer on the participants. Waving their flaglets and always ready to be of service, whether to offer directions or their bathrooms, foreigners are always struck by the generosity of the people.

MYTH #3: Triathlon is a brain-dead sport

FACT: With their ability to factor time, space, distance, motion, speed and energy, well-trained triathletes just might make good PhD candidates in Applied Physics. These “Newtons in Nikes” also abide by laws so well drafted, they could be the constitutional framework for South Sudan. And, spying them at the pre-race buffet tables, they really know what “breakfast of champions” means.

Organizing the event is also a monumental feat of logistics. From the transport and assemblage of over 400 bicycles (provided by LBC Solutions) to the hassle-free registration, the pre-game preparations preempt the seamless event that follows. Starting like clockwork, the race sets off with color-coded directions (blue for bike, red for run), well-placed hydrating stations and up-to-the-minute updates by the race marshals. All in all, the event had zero casualties and ended in a victorious feat of management for this year’s Xterra Philippines.

MYTH #4: Triathlon is only for “real men”

FACT: While men are driven by the need for competition and the ego boost of winning, the introspective motivations of women participants make them a force to reckon with at any race. “When you go off-road, you get to really experience the culture and the terrain of the place, and you get to see amazing things that most people won’t get to see,” reveals Women Pro Champion Leslie Paterson.

But for Senator Pia Cayetano, triathlon is as important as the air she breathes. “The priorities in my life are my work, my family, and my personal life, so I can be good with the other two. So, this is my personal time, and I think it makes me a tougher legislator because the work that I put in to do a course like this — the hardship, the skill — is something that I am able to use in my work. It just goes full circle,” Senator Pia shares. So, you probably have triathlon to thank for the passing of the Magna Carta on Women or the Expanded Senior Citizens Law.

MYTH #5: Triathletes are dry, dark, and dirty

FACT: With TV stars, news personalities and ageless CEOs headlining the Xterra Philippines, triathlons can actually make you look good. Maybe sweat is the fountain of youth, or adrenaline stops aging — or maybe there’s a little extra help. “This was really the perfect opportunity to test the performance of our products. Vaseline Men is all about cleansing, moisturizing and protecting, which are key in keeping your skin healthy even in the most challenging environments,” explains Vaseline Men brand manager Jonathan Pua.

It is also Matteo Guidicelli’s second time to finish the Xterra Philippines championship and although he did not make the cut for the Elite Category, he must have felt every bit the winner, from the cheers that resonated through Liloan. “This year is harder and crazier. It’s just so hard and intense. The course is so nice, they designed it very well, and the people are really cool, very supportive, they’re always cheering, and it’s organized really well. The whole thing is amazing! Everybody should do it,” Matteo shares. 

Suspense, comedy, and success stories abound in the 3rd Xterra Philippines Championships, and these are stories that triathletes the world over will keep on telling every year. From the backbreaking trail to the deafening cheers of the crowd, the camaraderie and the tingle of achievement in crossing the finish line, Xterra Philippines participants are all winners, having lived through that epic day. Because, much more than a sport, for these super athletes, triathlon is their life.