Ironman AsPac organizers look to establish good relationship with newly elected mayors
With the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships fast approaching, organizers from the Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI) are entering the final stages of preparation and one of the main concerns now is to establish good rapport with the newly elected mayors of the cities that will be part of the race scheduled on Aug. 7.
The triathlon event that offers a 1.9-kilometer swim, 40k bike and 21k run will start at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City and its bike race route will pass through the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay, all of which have newly elected mayors.
Tomas Osmeña won back the top post in Cebu City just like Eduardo R. Gullas, who regained his seat as mayor of Talisay City. Luigi Quisumbing, meanwhile, is the new Mandaue City mayor.
SEI general manager Princess Galura said she plans to meet with the new mayors after they assume office on June 30.
“It’s very important to have a courtesy meeting with Mayor Osmeña as well as the new mayors of Mandaue City and Talisay City,” said Gaulra, who was in town to promote another event and attend a coordination and communication meeting with stakeholders yesterday at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office. “We will inform them about our objectives and what will happen during the race. We feel that they will support our event because they know that it’s for Cebu, for the country and for tourism.”
During the meeting with DPWH, Galura received the welcome news from Region VII director Ador Canlas who promised her no road projects will be implemented prior to the race and the assurance of an obstacle-free 90k bike route.
One of the main concerns from both participants and motorists in the past Ironman races in Cebu is the stalled roadworks of the DPWH.
“We already have the list of the roads that need to be repaired like Plaridel Street the SRP tunnel and some roads along SRP in Talisay City’s side. We are glad that they checked it regularly and have already planned to make and finish the repairs of these areas in the coming weeks,” said Galura. “They also promised me that they will not start any roadworks and projects in the area covered by the 90k bike route not until the race is done.”
A welcome development is Canlas’ plan to remove the center island at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge to prevent traffic during race day. The structure will be put back in place after the event.
With this, Galura said she is confident that everything will go well, especially as they have the Cebu Provincial government’s usual full support.
“We are very glad that Governor Davide (Hilario Jr.) was reelected and we are confident that Mandaue City and Talisay City will be good to us because they are his allies,” Galura said.
A total of 2,817 triathletes from 41 countries will be competing in the international race, 517 more than the 2,300 that joined last year.
Noted triathletes such as last year’s champions Caroline Steffen, Tim Reed, Craig Alexander, Beth Gerdez, Luke Mckenzie, Luke Van Berkel, Brent Mcmahon and Dimity Lee Duke will be among the top names this year.
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