Competitors expect tough conditions in Xterra Danao race Sunday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
DANAO, Cebu — Bradley Weiss expects an uphill climb as he goes for a back-to-back Xterra series title on Sunday here.
Apart from competing against his fiercest competitors in Ben Allen and Sam Osborne, Weiss said the scorching heat and unfamiliar terrains also pose concerns.
“Danao is probably the hottest I’ve experienced in the Philippines,” Weiss, who hails from South Africa, said during a press conference at Coco Palms beach resort.
“It’s really, really tough course for all of us. The course is the biggest challenge just getting round the course will be tough for all of us.”
The temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees with a feel of 42 around 11 in the morning on race day.
Weiss named Sam Osborne and Ben Allen as the top challengers to his bid to repeat.
The 26-year-old Weiss edged Allen in a neck-and-neck race in Xterra Albay in 2015.
Weiss is bracing for another thrilling ending.
“My biggest rivals will be Sam Osborne from New Zealand and Allen, who are both currently ranked higher than myself in Asia Pacific Tour,” Weiss said.
Local bet Joseph Miller hopes to bank on his familiarity with the weather condition and terrain.
“My advantage is that I’m used to the heat and quite familiar with how the course is going to be,” Miller said in Filipino.
Other pro competitors include Takahiro Ogasawara, Taylor Charlton, Kieran McPherson, Olly Shaw, Will Kelsay and Alex Roberts.
Australian Brodie Gardner, who is suffering from diarrhea and dehydration, is listed as doubtful for the race.
The pro prize money is at $15,000 with the top finishers earning ranking points.
The Xterra series features 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run.
Meanwhile, Jacqui Slack Allen has a big target on her back but is confident she is primed to snap a slew of heartbreaks in Xterra.
She’s up against Carina Wasle, Penny Slater and Jessica Koltz.
There a total of 223 participants coming from 15 countries.