Engaged Kiwi couple rules Albay Xterra

Samantha Kingsford: Women’s pro winner

Sam Osborne and fiancée Samantha Kingsford of New Zealand were at home in extreme conditions on Sunday and ruled their respective divisions in the new Xterra Off-Road Triathlon in Legazpi City in Albay province.

Under scorching heat, Osborne broke away in the run stage and got back at Danao tormentor Bradley Weiss, clocking 2 hours, 16 minutes and 58 seconds over the 1.5-kilometer swim, 28-km bike and 8-km run race to capture the men’s pro crown.

“It was hot and the terrain was very challenging with its uphill and downhill trails,” said Osborne, who barely wrested control in the swim and mountain bike legs before pouring it all in the trail run.

Kingsford also led from start to finish and finished in 2:54:18 for the women’s pro crown, besting Aussies Penny Slater (2:59:36) and Leela Hancox (3:17:04).

Weiss, winner here in 2015-16 and in Danao, Cebu, in April, was second in 2:19:26.