Local athletes face dilemma on Tinian triathlon

While Saipan’s closest neighbor in the Marianas islands chain is readying to host the sixth running of the Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon & Reef Swim, local racers are scrambling to find a way to transport their bikes to Tinian.

According to the president of the Northern Marianas Triathlon Federation Stephan Samoyloff, the race organizers already on Tinian indicated that there may be a problem transporting bikes on the ferry this weekend.

“Apparently, the coast guard has informed the Tinian Dynasty and Casion-run ferry they are not authorized for cargo, or something of the sort, and large numbers of bikes are a no-go,” said Samoyloff.

His contacts in Tinian implied that they could handle a few bikes but not a great number of them. Though a number has not been given, the on-island race organizers suggested that racers from Saipan look into the issue and to perhaps arrange to get bikes over another way.

Calls placed to the Marianas Visitors Authority were not immediately returned, and as of press time, no solution was available.

This serves as an additional obstacle for the scores of multi-sport athletes have spent a considerable amount of time to prepare for the challenge of the 1500-kilometer swim, grueling 40km bike course, and the mentally and physically taxing 10km run tomorrow morning.

There is some good news for the off-island delegation, however, as the roughly 50 Japanese triathletes, the majority of which made the crossing yesterday, seem to be unaffected by the situation because their tour agents have found a way to get those bikes across the channel.

“The race organizers don’t know what these are, but we are hoping that maybe the sales and marketing people at Dynasty and the Tinian Mayors’ office may be able to help,” said Samoyloff.

Racers have just a couple of days to test the seals on the goggles, oil the bike chains, and lace up the running shoes before the race, and his time out, there will be two options for the additional open water race. Entrants can opt between Type A— a 1.5km swim, and the awe inspiring Type B— a 3km swim.

To take part in the race across the channel, simply pick up an application at the MVA office during normal business hours—from 8am to 5pm. The entry fee for the triathlon is $90 for the triathlon and $60 for the reef swim.

For more information, please contact the MVA by calling 664-3200, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, or online via e-mail at mva@mymarianas.com.