Ironman 70.3 marks return to Cebu with new bike route

More than 1,500 bets will take part when Ironman 70.3 Philippines makes its return to Cebu in the era of the pandemic, using a new bike route that will take the triathletes along the longest and tallest bridge in the country.

The race in Mactan, which will be on Aug, 7, will tackle the superstructure and iconic Visayas landmark known as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) for the 90.1-kilometer bike leg of the event.

The CCLEX is an engineering marvel that started operations last month. It is a well-paved 8.9-km stretch of road hoisted 52 meters above the Mactan Channel that links Cebu City and the Cordova municipality.

“What makes the Ironman 70.3 doubly exciting is that the new bike route will provide a new experience, not just for the triathletes but for the Cebuanos and local and foreign tourists as well,” said Fred Uytengsu, Ironman brand ambassador.

A total of two editions in Cebu have been called off because of the pandemic, and the host city has guaranteed that it will put premium on the safety of all participants as far as the health measures are concerned.