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Torgeson sets record in Tough Love
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Posted on Nov 24 2008
Eli Torgeson topped the 3rd Annual Tough Love Mountain Bike race Sunday in record-breaking fashion, while XTERRA World veteran Mieko Carey defended her women’s division title.
Torgeson finished the race from Micro Beach to Mt. Tapochao in 29 minutes, 18 seconds, breaking the 32:03 mark set by Steve Smith in the inaugural race in 2006.
In second place and behind Torgeon by about five minutes was Gary Bandoja, who timed in at 34:44. Federico Fernandez finished third (35:11), followed by Lewie Tenorio (36:30), and event organizer Russ Quinn (36:41).
Last year’s winner Nate Hawley, who timed in at 34:35 was more than three minutes slower this year, clocking in at 37:45 to drop to eighth place.
Completing the Top 10 in the men’s division were Ken Pierson (36:47), Tyce Mister (37:18), Florian Briag (37:57), and Antonee Aguilar (38:41).
In the women’s division, Carey failed to set a new record, but she still finished ahead of four other female riders after completing the hilly race in 41:26.
Carey timed in at 39:36 last year to shatter Kimiko Hasagawa’s record of 47:02 in 2006.
Mamiko Berger finished second with a time of 45:47, while Hasegawa placed third with her 49:00 mark. Event co-organizer Kanae Quinn (54:37) and Betty Johnson (1:05:51) were the two other female riders who braved the hilly climb.
A total of 28 riders joined the third edition of the annual race.
Other finishers were Kevin Carey (39:51), Chris Fryling (40:02), Rene Calage (40:37), Richy Melchor (43:05), Yosh Gabaldon (44:02), Alex Racoma (46:13), Mike Johnson (49:59), Brad Ruszala (51:38), Cooper Graf (51:41), Cesar Fortaleza (54:27), Rex Kosack (54:43), Sean Frink (55:01), and Manny Sitchon (59:02).
Meanwhile, the Quinns thanked Joshua Berger, Krista Hawley, Nick Kosack, Linda Graf, and Crystal Edmister for helping coordinate the event.
Next up for CNMI bikers is the 2008 Hell of the Marianas Century Race, which will be held on Dec. 6.
