Manila: Team Dirt from this city has earned the right to represent Asia at the 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship in Corsica, France, set in October next year. This was after Team Dirt emerged victorious in the La Routa Adventure Race 2025 in Biliran, clinching the title of Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) - Asia Region Champions after completing a gruelling 300-kilometer course across the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the four-member team is composed of team captain Ericka Viojan, the only female member; navigator Nick Aquilos; Gil Pe±ero Jr.; and Hienreck Velasco. The local athletes outpaced other elite racers from the Philippines as well as formidable international contingents from Japan and Malaysia. Their victory came after conquering a demanding multi-discipline expedition course designed to test endurance, navigation skills and teamwork.
The route featured paddling, hiking, kayaking, rappelling and mountain biking, all of which the team completed in 53 hours and 20 minutes - just over two days of nonstop, high-intensity racing. Given the tough terrain, the obstacles, and the presence of more experienced foreign competitors, the team admitted they did not expect to cross the finish line first. They credited their triumph to strong team dynamics, effective strategies, individual abilities and collective strength.
'We will be seeking mentors who have knowledge about the world championship, and we'll probably do training in highlands or areas with cold temperatures or high elevation,' Aquilos said on Monday when asked about their preparation plans for the international competition. The team also shared that aside from intensive training, they will seek additional sponsors to help support their participation in the world championship.
The 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship will be held on the Mediterranean island of Corsica in France, known as the 'Isle of Beauty.' This was announced at the close of the recent 2025 World Championship in Canada. From Sept. 27 to Oct. 10, 2026, Adventure Racing will cross the Mediterranean to settle in Corsica. The course will explore the Isle of Beauty over a journey of approximately 500 kilometers, according to Adventure Racing World Championship (ARWC) website.
