Weiss sees tough Xterra title defense

DANAO, Cebu, Philippines – Bradley Weiss of South Africa braces for the most trying title defense against determined rivals and under difficult conditions today in the Xterra Dana Off-road Triathlon here.

The 2016 winner of Xterra Albay, Weiss said more than the challenge posed by the likes of Australian Ben Allen and Kiwi Sam Osborne, he has to deal with the 35 degrees temp and 40 degrees heat expected in the punishing 1.5K swim, 40K mountain bike, 10K trail run race as he seeks to keep the crown.

“I’ve raced in Liloan and Albay before and I can say Danao is probably the hottest I’ve experienced in the Philippines. Coupled with a really, really tough course, it’s gonna be a challenge for us,” said Weiss, who last year rallied from behind to beat Allen for the top plum in Albay.

The competitors begin their quest in the waters of Coco Palms Beach Resort, after which they take a two-loop bike ride passing through the village and barangay roads before going through punishing climbs deeper into the course then tackling fire roads and rocky terrains.

They then go on a run featuring a series of climbs and single track and narrow trails and a course filled with loose rocks all the way to the finish at Cebu Technological University.

“I think the course is probably the biggest challenge here. Just getting around the course is super tough so it’s important to conserve and strategize,” said Weiss.

He tagged Allen and Sam Osborne as his biggest threats in the event organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc.

“They’ve proven themselves already in the Xterra Tour,” he said.

Allen, who recently got married to fellow triathlete and Xterra Danao participant Jacqui Slack, wants to preserve a winning tradition in the province of Cebu. The Aussie previously won back-to-back titles when Xterra Philippines held its races over in Liloan town.

“I’m stoked to be back. It’s my sixth competition in the Philippines and I think my eighth race in Cebu. I love this place, it’s a beautiful part of the world,” said Allen.