Sendin leads MTB finishers in ‘Hell’
Charlie Sendin topped the mountain bike category of the 2020 Hell of the Marianas held last Sunday.
Sendin clocked in at 2:31:12 in the 68-kilometer race that started and ended at the Mariana Resort & Spa and brought bikers to Mobil Tanapag, 5 Corners (Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, Banzai Cliff, Radar Tower), La Fiesta, and 4 Corners (Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, and Banzai Cliff). The 37-year-old rider reached the finish line more than three minutes ahead of runner-up Noe Valdisimo (2:35:45) and over five minutes against Butch Sublemente (2:37:38).
In the 40-and-under age group, Michael Aparte took the top honors, as he also completed the course under the three-hour mark after posting 2:41:46. At far second was Renzo Avila, who clocked in at 3:14:42, while Kevin Rejano rounded out the Top 3 after registering 3:30:42.
In the 45 to 49 division, Hernando Cristobal logged 2:52:13 to beat Nelson Pagaduan (2:59:03) and Ronald Villafria (3:29:23). In the 60-and-above age group, Pax Guevarra was the lone finisher to break the three-our barrier with his 2:57:28, as he downed Boboy Aguilar (3:27:18) and Rey Tentia (4:01:58).
Meanwhile, other top age group finishers in last weekend’s race were Christopher Sterling (3:46:17) in the 40 to 44 division; Nestor Abing (3:01:58) in the 50 to 54); and Norlo Jacosalem (2:43:50) in the 55 to 59. Jacosalem won over Noel Altamirano (2:45:39), while Abing prevailed against Ric Antonio (3:41:16).
There were also relay races last Sunday with Jacob’s Bake Shop & BBQ (2:46:29), Team Estepa (2:55:33), and Team Apol (3:09:58) ruling the men’s road bike, mixed road bike, and men’s MTB categories, respectively.
