XTERRA 2017 RACE DAY/APRIL 23,2017:Bradley Weiss of South Africa rejoice as he finish first the mens PRO of the XTerra 2017 in Danao City CTU.(CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
Danao City’s first ever hosting of the XTerra Philippines Off-Road Triathlon Series has already left an indelible impression on some of the world’s top triathletes.
Not just for the warm welcome they received. Or the friendly folks and captivating scenery and excellently-organized race. But rather for its physically and mentally exhausting route.
Lone Filipino pro off-road triathlete, Joseph Miller who placed sixth yesterday, recounts his hellish experience with Danao’s untamed terrain made more devious by the barren and stony trail and the unforgiving sun.
Even pro division champions Bradley Weiss of South Africa and Karina Wasle of Austria described yesterday’s race as the toughest they’ve ever competed.
Elevation from hell
The 40k bike’s highest elevation is 270 meters above sea level. There, Miller said you feel like you’re being roasted.
“It was just shrubs, no trees to protect us from the heat which was very intense, the trail was very narrow, one small mistake and you will surely land on sharp dead coral beds,” said the 38-year old native of Lapu-Lapu City.
“That’s when you realize how difficult the race course is because aside from the heat, you have to hop from one coral bed to another trying not to injure yourself.”
The 1.5k swim, 40k mountain bike and 10k trail run competition drew 283 entries from 15 countries.
Intense heat
For Weiss, caution must take the front seat if one is to survive Danao.
“I’ve joined six XTerras and this one is the most difficult in terms of terrain and weather,” said Weiss.
“You really have to be very careful on the bike and run because the rocks are sharp. Add to that the stifling heat and you will feel really lucky just to finish the race.”
Yesterday’s temperature peaked at 42 degrees Celcius at around noon.
Some 13 participants were treated with different injuries. Nine suffered minor injuries like skinned knees and elbows while four needed serious medical attention.
Two of them had to undergo suturing due to knee lacerations said medical director Dr. Peter Mancao.