MANILA, Philippines – Preparations in Cebu are in full swing for the province's hosting of the 2016 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships on August 7.

It will be the biggest triathlon even to be held in the region, and the hosts Cebuanos, along with organizers Sunrise Events, Inc., are guaranteeing a world-class set-up for the difficult race that starts and ends at the Shangri-La's Mactan Resorts and Spa.

The Cobra Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific will feature the region's best, with 31 professionals already confirmed to compete in a spirited battle from top honors in the swim-bike-run event.

To ensure the safety of everyone on race day, officials have announced road closures in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay, which will all serve as part of the route of the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike, and 21-k run race.

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 Osmena 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.

In line with the Ironkids, Lapu-Lapu’s Angasil Road, from Kapitang Tasyo Road up to Mangal Punta Engano will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. All side roads leading to race route will also be closed for the duration of the race.