Gardner topped the inaugural XTERRA Philippines on March 6 with a time of 2:25:59.15 more than five minutes ahead of female champion and XTERRA World champion Shonny Vanlandingham who crossed the finish line in 2:31:39.19.
On facebook, one day after winning the race, Gardner posted “won XTERRA Philippines yesterday. “
Although he confirmed winning the race, Gardner also mentioned he encountered a case of food poisoning. His post read, “Now stuck in bed with food poisoning (not from the race though). Next stop Saipan.”
His facebook wall was inundated with greetings from friends congratulating the veteran triathlete and wishing him good health as he heads to Saipan.
In an email, Gardner said he was scheduled to fly back to Saipan today (March 9). “We don’t leave the Philippines to travel to Saipan until Wednesday, 9th March.”
Meanwhile, in the women’s side, Vanlandingham proved that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
The defending XTERRA World champion clocked in 2:31:39.19 followed by XTERRA Saipan six-time champion Renata Bucher in 2:33:35.43 while Austria’s Carina Wasle finished third in 2:42:03.67.
In a separate email, Gardner said he is biking and swimming faster this year compared to the same period last year.
If he continues to be in good physical condition this week, Gardner is poised to make a three-peat in XTERRA Saipan this Saturday.
Gardner will remain the dominant male triathlete in the race with Mike Vine of Alberta, Canada declining to participate this year.
Vine confirmed to Variety that he will not be coming to Saipan this year due to expensive airfare and conflict with work schedule.
“I’m not coming to Saipan now. I really wanted to go but the flights were too pricy,” Vine told Variety.
Vine also said he’s needed at work. Since he’s also interested to join XTERRA Brazil, he may not be able to participate in XTERRA Saipan.
“I’m going to race in Brazil in April so I couldn’t take the time off for both,” said Vine adding that the organizer of XTERRA Brazil is covering all his expenses.
