Fierce battle looms in Xterra Albay

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran campaigners Jacqui Slack of Australia and Guamanian Mieko Carey brace for a tough duel for off-road triathlon supremacy as they take on a slew of upcoming bets from all over in the Xterra Albay 2016 firing off Feb. 7 in Bicol.

Slack and Carey, who finished runner-up and fourth, respectively, last year, have been installed as the triathletes to watch in the women’s side of the keenly awaited off-road triathlon after 2015 winner Flora Duffy begged off to focus on her training for the Rio Olympics.

But with Lizzie Orchard of New Zealand and a host of new pros joining this year’s Xterra Albay, a wide open battle for top honors looms in the event hosted by the Province of Albay with City of Legazpi, Municipality of Daraga, Sto. Domingo as venue hosts.

Bradley Weiss, meanwhile, returns to gun for back-to-back title feat in the men’s section of the event sponsored by 2Go Express as the official logistics and courier partner, Columbia, Finisher Pix and David’s Salon. And like in the distaff side, a down-to-the-finish is seen with the likes of Ben Allen and Brodie Gardner, also of Australia, Charlie Epperson of Guam, Michal Bucek of Slovakia and local bet Joseph Miller out to foil the South African champ’s repeat bid.

Others tipped to crowd the fancied bets are Taylor Charlton, Cameron O’Neal and Hsieh Chun Shing, all raring to prove their worth in top-level swim, bike and run competition with the majestic Mayon Volcano as backdrop.

The event is backed by Shotz Sports Nutrition, DOT/TPB, Cetaphil, Human Heart Nature, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc., Coca-Cola Femsa (official hydration partner), and Tri Life Magazine, TV 5 and The Philippine STAR (media partners), Timex (official timing partners). The 1.5K swim kicks off in the shores of Lidong in Mayon Rivera.