Spaeth, Barbo win age divisions in TOG

Robyn Spaeth and Willy Barbo won their respective age groups in the 105-kilometer Tour of Guam last Sunday.

Spaeth topped the women’s 40-49—and 36th overall—with a time of 4:01:20.

Fellow former CNMI national triathlete Kathy Ruszala finished third in the same age group after clocking in at 4:42:58.

Barbo, meanwhile, proved once again that age is just a number by dominating the men’s 60-69 after crossing the finish line in 4:18:01.

The CNMI actually swept the podium in the category with Ponciano Corotan and Nomer Mangalinao coming in second and third with times of 4:33:23 and 4:33:28, respectively. All three finished from 46 to 48th overall in the TOG.

Arvin Velasco, meanwhile, was the top CNMI finisher in the event after submitting a time of 3:32:22 , good for 21st overall and second in the men’s 30-39 age group.

Spaeth said taking on the TOG eight days after the 2023 Hell of the Marianas on Saipan was indeed a challenge.

“I was really nervous going into the TOG after competing in the HOM. I had a pretty good fall toward the end of the HOM that left me a bit bruised, shaken, and nervous to ride, especially downhill or on wet roads. But once I got going, I tried to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Guam. But what I love most about both the TOG and HOM are all of the riders I meet along the course. Everyone is supportive and encouraging, making for a fun race.”

The Marianas High School teacher then thanked her family and biking group for giving her the opportunity to bike every week.

“I would also like to thank the Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation for asking me to be a part of the team this year. I am always thankful for the opportunity to represent the CNMI,” added Spaeth.

Barbo, for his part, said it’s always a good feeling to finish the TOG without having any trouble.

“The weather was pretty good. It’s almost the same as the HOM. The hills and the terrain and the flat roads are pretty good we had a good rest before the Tour of Guam. It feels good also to win my age group and I would like to thank my friends and my family for always supporting me but most of all God for giving me the strength,” he said.

Velasco said overall the TOG course was less punishing than the 2023 HOM.

“It’s still hard especially being unfamiliar with the course, then there’s part of the course that the road was not good and with a lot of head wind. But what makes it hard was doing it just a week after HOM. I dedicate my win to my family and to all Saipan cyclists. I’m also thanking the Lord for keeping us safe and guiding us,” said the Commonwealth Health Center nurse.

Corotan said the TOG’s course was very good and they were able to enjoy the nice weather during the race unlike the conditions during the HOM.

“I crashed at very sharp curve going down to [Marpi dumpsite] intersection due to rain and wet road during the HOM race. I’m dedicating the win to my wife, to all my co-bikers who joined this TOG, and of course to NMICF who supported and sponsored us to represent the CNMI to join this TOPG race.”

The 65-year-old Hawaiian Rock Product employee said what actually made TOG difficult was the only one-week recovery after the HOM.

“On the first 75 kilometers of TOG I felt very strong and leading my CNMI co-bikers until I reached the second turn to the cross island road going back to the finish line. From there, my legs cramped in every climb and most of the riders behind me caught me and overtook me. Thank God I still managed to pass those climbs and I finished the race. I was surprised and very excited that I came in second place in my age group. This is my first time in TOG and what I learned after the race is that I should have reserved my energy for the last 25km of the race.”

Ruszala said doing TOG and HOM back-to-back was a test of physical and mental endurance. Luckily, she trained hard for both races.

“I’m a nervous nelly, but the training definitely helped. Recovery is quicker, legs are sore, and there’s some mental struggle before and during, but I genuinely enjoyed the ride. By the end of the race, I’m already looking forward to the next one.”

Ruszala also thanked her family and bike group for helping her conquer the twin bike races.

“I can practically hear Brad, Keoni, and Leilani in my mind cheering me on when I’m about to throw in the towel. Huge shoutout to the biking ‘kuyas’ always looking out for us, Saipan Bike Pro for handling my pre-race panic attacks, and assuring me my bike is good to go. Big thanks to the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors—TOG, NMICF, NMITF, Triple J—for the support. Also our Sunday bike group, especially the incredible ladies who are a constant inspiration, with a special nod to Robyn, whose competitive spirit and skill blow me away every race,” she said.

Robyn Spaeth

Wilfredo Barbo

Ponciano Corotan

Nomer Mangalinao

Kathy Ruszala

Arvin Velasco