Preparations are in full swing for the staging of the 2016 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships presented by Ford on Aug. 7 in Cebu.
This will be the biggest triathlon event to be held in the region and the host Cebuanos, together with the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc., are guaranteeing a world-class setup for the lung-busting race that starts and ends at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resorts and Spa.
To ensure the safety of everyone on race day, officials announced road closures in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay which will serve as part of the route of the 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run race of the event produced by SEI and backed by Cobra Energy Drink as title sponsor.
In Lapu-Lapu, the affected roads will be from Punta Engano (Kabesang Tasyo Road) to Manuel L. Quezon National Highway to the Junction of Marcelo Fernan Bridge. The road from Goldberry Hotel, Pusok, up to Punta Engano will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. while the Punta Engano side up to Amisa will be opened at 5 p.m.
In Mandaue, Ouano Ave. and Plaridel Street will be closed from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vehicles bound for Mandaue City and Northern Cebu are advised to take L. Jaena and MC Briones Streets, while those going to Lapu Lapu City and Mactan Airport are urged to take L. Jaena, MC Briones and UN Avenue or SB Cabahug and UN Avenue, and motorists bound for Mandaue City and Cebu can take MC Briones and L. Jaena.
In Cebu City, the entire Sergio Osmeña Blvd, from Mahiga Bridge leading to Legaspi Extension as well as the underpass going straight to South Road Property will be totally closed to traffic from 5 a.m. to 12 noon while the Talisay Fish Port Cebu South Coastal Road to Cong. Bacaltos Roas in Talisay will also be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All motorists going to the airport coming from any direction are also advised to take the Sangi Motumbo Road or Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase if available. All trucks, trailers, tourist buses or motor vehicles with GVW 4500 and above will not be allowed to travel during the duration of the event, especially at diversional/alternative routes going to the airport.