Cristobal, Romero top MTB Long Course

Hernan Cristobal and Kris Romero both topped their divisions in the MTB Long Course of the Race for a Cause 4th Annual Bike Race last Sunday in Marpi.

The course ran from the former Mariana Resort & Spa to Banzai Cliff, La Fiesta, Bird Island, Suicide Cliff, and back.

Cristobal clocked in at 57:32, while Bryan Ytac was second at 1:00:15. Third was Rio Jacob at 1:01:32. Meanwhile, in the women’s division, Romero clocked in at 1:28:15.

In the age groups, Gerald Camps was first in the below 40 category at 1:02:40. In the 40-44 age group, Fred Remilloza clocked in at 1:05:38; Raymund Tolentino was first in the 50-54 age group at 1:04:00; and Diony Valdisimo is first in the 55-59 age group at 1:13:05.

For 48-year-old Cristobal, he said that the course was hard, especially at the Suicide Cliff area. He said that it was raining so hard and very windy. Despite that, he pushed through and came in first overall.

As for Romero, she said, “The course was good. Despite of the rainy weather, for me it was perfect.” The hardest part, she said, “is going to Suicide Cliff because I only rode a few times in that area. The easiest is when the rain kept pouring because I didn’t feel the heat much and tiredness.”

The 38-year-old dedicated the win to herself, family, and friends.

In the Road Bike Short Course, Zhoefet Cellona came in first in the teen category at 26:07.

Jomari Buco was first in the below 40 age group at 22:08; Romnick Soriano was second at 24:37; and Xu Nin was third at 33:38.

Arnold Sangoyo clocked in at 24:44 in the 44-49 age group; Erwin Calage was first in the 50-54 age group, while Manny Basa was second just a second after at 21:52.

In the 60+ age group, Edgar Abalos crossed the finish line first at 20:52; Ruel Nava was second at 25:10; and third was Joey Ejercito at 30:32.

In the MTB Short Course, Raven Pascual was first in the teen category at 23:51; second was his brother Rafael Pascual at 24:01; and third was Keoni Ruszala with a time of 29:06.

John Carlo Asedillo was first in the below 40 age group at 25:06, and second was Jude Tengco at 27:39.

Marvin Asedillo clocked in at 23:50 in the 40-44 age group; and Renato Barros had a time of 26:08 in the 50-54 age group.

In the 55-59 category, Rico Manungay was first at 25:41; John Jugo was second at 26:53; and Alexander Racoma clocked in at 26:56 for third place.

Angeles Alvarez clocked in at 21:54 in the 60+ age group, and Monique Mascarinas was first in the women’s division at 32:03.

The event was organized by Saipan Unity Lions Club and headed by Willy Barbo. The race is also in celebration of his birthday. He said of this year’s event, “It was very overwhelming and despite the rain, they still did well and were very energetic. There were also a lot of youth that joined the race.”