Sublemente, Romero rule MTB division

Butch Sublemente and Kris Romero ruled the mountain bike division of the Saipan Unity Lions Club Pedal for Health Criterium Yearend Bike Race last Sunday in Marpi.

Sublemente completed the 50-kilometer men’s category that had bikers pedal three times around the Last Command Post-Mobil Tanapag-Last Command Post route with a time of 1.20:22 to beat out Bryan Ytac (1:20:36) and Rio Jacob (1:25:23).

The 51-year-old Pacific Islands Club Saipan staff said the hardest part of the warm-up to this weekend’s 2023 Hell of the Marianas were the uphill climbs.

“It was hard because it’s been raining and the road was head so we can’t really build momentum,” he said in Filipino.

In a way though, the slow pace of the peloton because of the wet road conditions meant Sublemente could hang with the hardcore riders because, admittedly, he had little to no training before Sunday’s race.

Good thing being one of the veteran bikers on the island, Sublemente was able to use his experience in dealing with wet road conditions and that proved handy in giving him the win.

He went on to dedicate his win to his wife, Ritchell, and their daughters Alianna and Alyssa.

Romero, for her part, was the lone cyclist in the women’s mountain bike division and finished with a time of 1:55:00.

In contrast to Sublemente, the 38-year-old Pacific Quick Print and Post staff thoroughly enjoyed the rainy morning during the race.

“The best part was the strong rain because that meant it was not hot during the race. As a long-distance swimmer, water always makes me stronger,” she said in Filipino.

As for the most challenging part of the race, Romero said it was the start because her lungs were still adjusting and she didn’t had the benefit of drafting as she was a solo rider.

She then dedicated her triumph to family, friends, and herself, as she too prepares for this Saturday’s HOM.

The age group winners were the following: Nap Solis (MTB under 40), Rosalio Quintos (MTB 45-49), Raymund Tolentino (MTB 50-54), Angeles “Wati” Alvarez ((MTB over 60), Renren Gavilo (road bike under 40), Fred Ramilloza (road bike 40-45), Harold Balana (road bike 45-49), Cesar Fortaleza (road bike 50-59), and Edgardo Abalos (road bike over 60).

Proceeds from the Saipan Unity Lions Club Pedal for Health Criterium Yearend Bike Race will be used to fund the Lions Club global cause to cure children’s cancer, prevent diabetes, and feed the hungry.

Proceeds from the Saipan Unity Lions Club Pedal for Health Criterium Yearend Bike Race will be used to fund the Lions Club Global cause to cure children’s cancer, prevent diabetes, and feed the hungry.

The event’s sponsors include Herman’s Bakery, Marpac, K.L. Carr Enterprises, Hongs Hardware, The Water Company, Chow Time Restaurant, and Atoy Bangting and other SULC members.