Weiss Xterra Albay favorite

Bradley Weiss sets out as the sentimental favorite for the crown against a battle-tested field in the Xterra Albay 2016 on Feb. 7.

The South African defending champion ruled the maiden race of the triathlon staged on the rocky fringes of Mayon Volcano.

Weiss faces a worthy cast of challengers in 2015 Male Pro third placer Ben Allen and fourth placer Brodie Gardner, both of Australia, Charlie Epperson of Guam, Michal Bu-cek of Slovakia and local entry Joseph Miller.

The race for the Women’s Pro title has been thrown wide-open by the absence of 2015 winner and world titlist Flora Duffy of Bermuda who begged off to focus on her campaign in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in June.

Expected to dispute the title this time are last year’s runner-up Jacqui Slack and third placer Dimity Lee Duke, both of Australia, as well as fourth placer Mieko Carey of Guam.

A slew of foreign entries are also vying.

The race course has been spruced up for the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and backed by Cetaphil, Columbia, Finisher Pix, Shotz Sports Nutrition, Timex, David’s Salon and courier and logistics partner 2Go Express.

From the black sand shores of Lidong, the triathletes will swim 1.5 kilometers in the calm waters of Mayon River, negotiate 35 km of fire roads, sand-and-rock trails before transitioning to the 10 km run leg. The race finishes at the famed Cagsawa Ruins. June Navarro