Tagaman triathlon kicks off Saturday

The 11th Tagaman Triathlon, sponsored by the Continental Airlines and supported by the Marianas Visitors Authority, kicks off tomorrow with strong contenders coming from Korea, Australia, the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Organizers said at least 144 triathletes have registered for the annual sporting event which begins exactly at 5:30 a.m. in the lagoon fronting of the Hafa Dai Beach Hotel for the 2 km swimming.

The 60 km bike race follows in front of the hotel lobby facing Beach Road all they way up to PIC. Two aid stations manned by PIC and DFS will assist and provide triathletes with bottled water.

The final leg of the three events will the 15 km run from Micro Beach in the American Memorial Park to the Saipan Diamond Hotel and back to the finish line just before the Micro Beach.

While this year’s triathlon competition will not see veterans such as Hideya Miyazuka, Stephen Farrell, Michael Trees, Masayuki Matsumaru, Scott Penny, and Saipan’s Dirk Sharer and Kieren Meirs, strong contenders from neighboring Asian countries will take part in the event and probably give the veterans as run for their money.

Korea is sending Cho Jeong Min, while Australia it’s very own Reece Rackley. The Philippines’ junior standout Michael Garcia will be joining the triathlon competition.

Several of the triathletes competing will be following their Tagaman experience with the Malaysian Ironman in Kuala Lumpur on May 28th, the Cairns Half Ironman on June 11th, and the Korean Ironman on July 2nd. Guam is also proposing a major triathlon in August 2000.

As a reminder to the public, Beach Road will be closed between PIC and the American Memorial Park from 5:30 a.m. until about 9:00 a.m., when it will be partially opened for northbound traffic. The entire road will be open by 11:30 a.m. at the latest.

Public Works and MVA have been working on the course this past week and triathletes will begin arriving today to orient themselves to our roads and climate. Public Safety would like to caution everyone to drive carefully due to the large number of bikers and runners that may be on the road for the next few days.
Beginning today, many bikers and runners will be on the road so please drive carefully.

Also, boaters are cautioned that the lagoon fronting the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel will be monitored for boat traffic on Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning, and passing in this area will not be allowed.

All triathletes must pre-register and have their bike inspected Friday afternoon in the HBH lobby and be at the final checking between 3:30 and 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning again at the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel. There is a course briefing at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 19th, in the HBH Garden for all participants.