Concepcion thanks HOM participants for going ‘extra mile’

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion gave kudos to all the participants of the recent 2023 Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle.

“Honestly, I’m not sure how you have managed to walk in here today after a course like that. We non-cyclists salute you!” he said in a speech during the 2023 HOM awards ceremony held a few hours after the 100- and 50-kilometer cycling event last Dec. 2 at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

Concepcion also gave a special warm Marianas welcome to off-island bikers from South Korea, Japan, Guam, Russia, USA, and Tinian.

“We know you have each gone the extra mile—no pun intended—to get here this weekend, and we thank you for that. Our goal is to grow the Hell of The Marianas reputation as one the best races in the Pacific. We value your feedback and partnership in that effort.”

The CNMI tourism body chief also took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the 2023 HOM sponsors, who made possible the staging of the successful event after a couple of years of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A total of 157 cyclists signed on for the challenge, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our many sponsors and supporters who have all made today’s race possible, starting with Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation for taking the lead on the logistics of the event. Thank you, president Vince [Seman] and team, for a job well done,” he said.

The 2023 Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle include the following sponsors—TanHoldings Corp., Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Seman Law Offices, IT&E, TurnKey Solutions, Triple J Group of Companies, Pacific Trading Co., Hyatt Regency Saipan, Bike Shop Saipan, Marpac, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Parks & Recreation, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Safety, Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero (D-Saipan, House vice speaker Rep. Joel Camacho (Ind-Saipan), and all other government partners.

“Again, congratulations and if you had a good time here on Saipan, please let your friends know, and we hope to see you all again here in paradise in 2024,” he said in a parting message during the awards banquet.