Reaching the finish line first, Soblemente who took the course in 56.08 minutes said he got himself familiarized with such kind of terrain.
So you should know exactly what you are going to get when you’re back there for the real deal—when and where to pick up speed and where you need to slow down.
“When you’re done with Kimikaze and the Otoban trails, things will be easy,” Soblemente said.
The first Northern Passage’s full race gold medalist was almost three minutes ahead of Tyce Mister who arrived at the finish line at 58.57 minutes to win the silver medal.
Kieran Daly settled for third place and won the bronze medal as he finished the full course in 59.37.
Kimiko Hazegawa who is also no stranger to the trails won the gold medal in full race women’s division, while Jackie Van Damme won t he silver medal.
In sports race men’s division, Bob Ferrer won the first place finishing the race at 52.26 minutes. Al Fernandez placed second with 57. 08 minutes and Florence Antonio came third with 59.25 minutes.
Maricel Mahilum won the gold medal in sports women’s division, reaching the finish line at 1:05.04 and Elizabeth Church came second to win the silver medal.
In rookie men’s division, Shogo Ando won the gold as he finished first with 25.54 minutes, followed by Ronald Lanuza who got to the finish line with at 29.32 and Russel Bagasala, third, with 32.48 minutes.
Kathy Pagapular won the gold medal in rookie women’s division with 47.52 and Kathryn Barry got the silver medal as he completed the beginners’ course in 52.38 minutes.
Alexander Bateman, the youngest participant, who, many competitors saw was doing speed on one of the course’ stretches won the gold medal in youth division.
Every body else did great, according to organizer Brad Ruszala as he noted the success of the inaugural mountain bike race, which was joined by a lot of remarkable athletes in the CNMI including Joshua Manglona of Tinian; the bunch of long-time racers of the islands, as well as beginners like Duty Free Shop’s Ben Babauta.
Ruszala would like to thank the sponsors for the generous support of the event. They are the Palms Resort Saipan, IT&E, XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, Saipan Bike Pro, Michelob Ultra, Brabu Pharmacy, Digital Motion, and Konflict MMA Clothing, the Marianas Visitors Authority, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Health, Duty Free Shoppers, Ltd., Red Rock Consulting, Accelerade and Taga Inc.
