Local triathletes go to the extreme
By Shan Seman
Staff Reporter
Saipan’s very own Tyce Mister qualified for the XTERRA World Championships after finishing second in the amateur division of the off-road triathlon’s Saipan leg last Saturday.
Clocking in at 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 21 seconds, the 35-year old Marianas High School teacher also placed first in the 35-39 age division.
“I’m very honored to have competed with these athletes,” said Mister. ” I had a knee surgery last year, but right now, I feel great,” he said.
Mister, who was also responsible for the design of the course, now looks forward to the upcoming Tagaman Triathlon next month.
When asked about his chances on competing in the XTERRA World Championship in Maui on October, Mister simply replied, “we’ll see.”
Another local bet, Stephan Samoyloff, also had a solid performance as crossed the finished line in 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 19 seconds. He placed third in the 35-39 age division.
Rob Carruth placed third in the 40-44 age category, finishing with a time of 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 39 seconds.
In the women’s corner, Kathryn Sinclair was the fastest local to cross the finish line. She clocked in with a 4 hours, 37 minutes, and 45 seconds time.
Jean Sakovich proved she could still roll with the young competitors as she completed the race in 5 hours, 7 minutes, and 42 seconds.
Sakovich and Sinclair were the lone competitors in their respective categories.
Kanae Quinn placed third in the 30-34 age category with a time of 5 hours, 7 minutes, and 43 seconds, while Deena Samoyloff finished fourth with a 5 hour, 17 minutes, and 21 seconds time.
Other notables from Saipan include Yoshio Gabaldon, Rory Mackay, Christopher Fryling, Derk Sharer, Peter Sinclair and John Gentry.
Aside from placing well in the event, local bets also were able hosts during the XTERRA Saipan Championships. The Sinclairs, in fact, took care of the accommodations of eventual XTERRA Saipan Champion Mike Vine in his stay in Saipan.
