CEBU CITY — Back after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Ironman Cebu’s bike course ups the stakes with the new CCLEx bridge as venue via Pilipog-Gabi coastal road in the town of Cordova.
Gearing up for a grand test of will and endurance, the Ironman 70.3 is finally making a comeback in Cebu; this time, to include newly- opened infrastructure across the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Asia.
Thousands of athletes will look forward to a new challenge as the bike leg for the triathlon event will be situated in the new Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway which links Cebu City to the municipality of Cordova.
The new bridge, the newest landmark in the Visayas, is the longest and tallest bridge in the country, spanning 8.9 kilometers, with an elevation of 476 feet.
The return of Ironman 70.3 in Cebu will mark the first-ever participation of the town of Cordova as a major route in the race. The bike route stretches 90 kms. long starting at the Mactan Newtown grounds all the way through CCLEx and the South Road Properties via Cordova’s newly- completed Pilipog-Gabi coastal road.
“More than a test of endurance, we are excited for the race to prop Cordova onto the international stage,” said Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan. “We have been hard at work to complete the Pilipog-Gabi Coastal Road in time to accommodate our athletes as they traverse Cebu. We would like to thank our DPWH headed by Engr. Daisy Toledo for their never-ending support and prompt response,” he added.
The Pilipog-Gabi Coastal Road project was built to improve accessibility and alleviate traffic in Cebu. This will be the first time for both the Coastal Road and the CCLEx bridge to function as a route for a triathlon event.
With close to 2,000 athletes registered to participate in the individual and relay categories, the Ironman 70.3 has been a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors in Cebu.
“We are glad and excited to be back in Cebu to hold our hallmark Ironman 70.3 race. As we prepare for a grand return following our two-year hiatus from the pandemic, we also look forward to show our athletes another side of Cebu they have never seen,” said Princess Galura, Sunrise Events general manager.
The Megaworld Ironman 70.3 race day begins dawn of Sunday, Aug. 7 at the Mactan Newtown. This Half Ironman has three legs: swim course of 1.2 miles (1.9 km), bike leg of 56 miles (90 kms.), and a run course of 13.1 miles (21.1 kms), for a total of 70.3 miles (113 kms). (PR)
