Ironman athletes return

A group of 5 Saipan triathletes recently returned from their trip to Australia for the Cairns Half Ironman which was held on June 11, 2000. The distances were a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. There were some great successes in the event and also some disappointments. However, everyone really enjoyed the event and the hospitality and all plan to return next year for the Cairns event with an even bigger group from Saipan.

Most importantly, a big group of Cairns triathletes plan to attend the 2001 Tagaman. This year, 7 Cairns triathletes competed in the 2000 Tagaman.

In Cairns, Nicole Forelli was the star of the Saipan group. She finished her first Half Ironman in five hours and 24 minutes. She placed second in her age category which was an outstanding result. Rena Carlson also had a great race finishing in five hours and 51 minutes. This was her first Half Ironman and a great warm-up for her first Ironman in July, 2000 at the Ironman Asia in Cheju, Korea with Grant Beauprez. Peter Sinclair finished his first Half Ironman in 5 hours and 46 minutes.
He is determined to be faster next year.

Unfortunately both Keren Miers (Saipan’s top male finisher at the Tagaman) and Kathryn Sinclair were not able to finish the race, due to food poisoning.

Zaan Claasans, Saipan’s top female finisher at the Tagaman 2000, was unfortunately unable to go to Australia because of visa problems.

Continental Micronesia sponsored the trip to Cairns for the top local male and female finisher in the Tagaman. All the Saipan triathletes who competed in Tagaman and the Cairns Half Ironman would like to express their appreciation to Continental Micronesia.
In addition, they would like to express their gratitude to Mr. Bill Sakovich for all his generous help with training.