In this July 2017 photo, Ironman participants do a practice run at the CSCR prior to the race proper. cdn file
IRONMAN DILEMMA
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he is open for suggestions on how to go about with the biking phase of the Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships on August 5 in Cebu.
Last Friday, Osmeña denied organizers of the prestigious international triathlon race the use of the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) at the South Road Properties (SRP), citing traffic congestion in the area as the main reason for his decision.
The CSCR is used as part of the 90-kilometer bike route of the triathlon event. The race starts at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City with the 1.9-km swim followed by the bike phase. The last segment is the 21-km run, which will be within Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City.
“I’m open (for suggestions). If they tell me something that I do not know, then okay, we can talk it over,” Osmeña said.
Osmeña understands that the race, which was held in Cebu for the past six years, is a good thing for the city, but he doesn’t want the public to suffer in traffic just because of this.
The mayor explained that the CSCR is vital for motorists, especially since there is an ongoing construction of the underpass project in Natalio Bacalso Avenue. At present, only one lane is open because of the P638-million project in Mambaling.
“Why would we make the sector of the public sacrifice? They are already suffering enough,” Osmeña added.
He said he will allow the use of the CSCR next year, once the construction of the underpass project is done.
Options
Osmeña initially offered Sunrise Events, Inc. (SEI), the organizers of the Ironman race, a solution, suggesting to start the race in Naga City so the participants will be done passing through the CSCR by 6 a.m. But according to Osmeña, SEI declined his suggestion.
“I said it would be fine if they end before 6 a.m. kay walay tawo sa karsada. But di man sila. Next year na lang.”
Osmeña also said that he is open for the possibility that the bike leg will take the route in the uptown area, such as N. Escario Street going to Gorordo Avenue.
“Why not? They just have to apply for it. I’m fine with it,” said Osmeña.
This is not the first time Osmeña denied the use of the CSCR for a sporting event because of traffic issues brought about by the underpass project in Mambaling. He also didn’t allow the use of the road for the SM2SM run and the National Milo Marathon 2018.