Albay all set for XTERRA triathlon in Legazpi

MANILA, Philippines - Close to 300 triathletes brace for what could be their toughest test in the XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon Series with new host Albay offering a different kind of challenge when the swim-bike-run event is fired off Feb. 8 in Legazpi City.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has guaranteed a true test of speed and stamina for the competing field with the majestic Mayon Volcano providing a stunning backdrop and the area’s tough terrains tipped to bring out the best or the worst from them.

“Being an archipelago, the Bicol region is surrounded by an open ocean where the waves are of varying roughness in this time of the year,” said Salceda, adding that the terrains are truly intimidating with sandy shores, undulating hillsides and up-and-down crests and valleys of Mayon with its ever freshly laid lava trail.

The finish line inside the Cagsawa Ruins Heritage Park also offers a magnificent view of the perfect-coned volcano as well as the ruins of a town that for over two centuries has become the symbol of man’s resilience to nature’s forces.

Meanwhile, the event, held in Bicol for the first time and as part of the Cagsawa Festival 2015, will official start on Friday (Feb. 6) with athletes’ registration/race pack claiming and event expo at Albay Astrodome.

Sixteen of the world’s leading and rising triathletes, including nine male and seven female, are competing in the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and staged as part of the Tourism Board of the Philippines’ “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “Visit the Philippines 2015” program.

Trophies and finisher’s medals made out of lava rocks from Mayon Volcano are handcrafted by one Albayanon with Sen. Pia Cayetano and celebrities Matteo Guidicelli, Ryan Agoncillo and Paul Jake Castillo spicing up the event.