(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY —Local adventure racing squad “Team Dirt” clinched the “Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) – Asia Region Championship” after finishing first in the 300-kilometer ‘La Routa Adventure Race 2025’ in Biliran, completing the multi-stage challenge in 53 hours and 20 minutes.
The team is composed of Ericka Viojan (team captain and sole female member), Nick Aquilos (navigator), Gil Peñero Jr., and Hienreck Velasco. They outperformed elite Philippine racers and foreign teams from Japan and Malaysia.
The route tested endurance, navigation, and strategy through a series of disciplines including paddling, hiking, kayaking, rappelling, and mountain biking. The victory gives Team Dirt the chance to compete in the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship in Corsica, France.
Team members said they were not expecting to finish first, given the challenging terrain and the more seasoned foreign competitors. The athletes credited their win to their coordination, strategy, and individual strengths.
Aquilos said the team will intensify preparations for the world championship by seeking coaching from seasoned mentors and training at high-altitude or cold-temperature locations. The group also plans to secure additional sponsorships to support their participation.
La Routa 2025 was organized by Bukid Outdoor Shop, the Department of Tourism–Region VIII, and the provincial government of Biliran, drawing top adventure racing teams from across Asia.
In the Elite Team category, Skomad Kamikaze Adventure (Malaysia) placed second, followed by KBS Adventure Race Team (Malaysia) in third, Kamikaze Silva (Malaysia) in fourth, and East Wind (Japan) in fifth.
In the Candidate category, top finishers were Tres Islas Adventure Racing (Philippines), A-Plot Adventure Racing (Philippines), 2nd place, and Team Shershah (India),3rd place.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
