CEBU CITY — The top management of Sunrise Events Inc., organizers of the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, expressed disappointment over Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s disapproval of the use of the South Road Properties (SRP) for the country’s premier triathlon event this year.
In an official statement released Saturday, Sunrise Events founder Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said they are dismayed by the mayor’s decision as everything has already been set for the staging of the triathlon on August 5.
On Thursday, Ironman organizers sought the permission of Osmeña to use the SRP for the 90-km bike segment of the triathlon, but the mayor denied their request due to traffic concerns.
“We are disappointed with this latest development since the staging of the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship 2018 has been on the calendar for more than year,” Uytengsu said.
“Sunrise Events has been holding the largest triathlon in the Philippines in Cebu for the past six years and has brought millions of dollars to the local economy. In doing so, we have triathletes from 51 countries coming to the country as part of our efforts to build sports tourism,” added Uytengsu, who is also the chairman of Alaska Milk Corp.
However, the 57-year-old businessman and Alaska Milk PBA team owner assured that they will work tirelessly to find an alternative and safe route for the participants, even on such a short notice.
Sunrise Events general manager Princess Galura, on the other hand, said they will definitely find a new route for the biking segment with only about six weeks left before the Ironman event.
Galura said they are confident that they can do it with the support of the Cebu provincial government and Governor Hilario Davide III.
“We will make this happen and make sure Cebu will remain as the ‘Crown Jewel of Asia’,” she said with optimism. (PNA)
