Once again triumphed with the fastest time of 55 minutes and 44 seconds in the championship course. Tyce Mister, another returning participant, arrived two minutes later to win second place at 57:49. Ken Pierson came third with 58 minutes and 52 seconds.
In the women’s division, Jackie Van Dam outran former champ Kimiko Hasegawa at one hour, eight minutes, and 32 seconds. The latter settled for second place with 1:11:11. They were the only two women to compete in the championship course.
Meanwhile, an all-male group took on the sport course. Bob Ferrer held the top spot with 49 minutes and 19 seconds. Both he and Arnel Cruz (49:24) were seconds away from each other prior to reaching the finish line. It wasn’t long before John Arceo (54:05) arrived to claim third place. Korean biker Kim Dong Yoon followed at 57 minutes and five seconds.
The last of the Northern Passage’s three categories – the rookie course – welcomed Nelson Pagadua (24:28) and Amanda Kloeppel (32:46) as its top male and female riders. Noel Ignacio (24:30) came two seconds after Pagadua, while Enrique Suba placed third at 25:22. Esther Ada won second place in the women’s division at 38 minutes and 35 seconds. Juanita Fajardo came next with 45:46.
From Middle Road near La Fiesta, all bikers made their way past Marianas Resort and Spa, through the Kimikaze and Autobahn Trails, and towards the Last Command Post. From the LCP, sport course riders followed Middle Road en route to the finish line.
Those in the championship course turned left at the FEBC road then made a right towards the 1,000,000 gallon tank. Once there, riders cruised down a paved road and took a final sprint to finish the race.
Sponsors this year included IT&E, Gold’s Gym, Michelob Ultra, POWERade, Foremost Water, DFS Saipan, XTERRA Saipan, Taga Inc., Mayor Donald Flores, Marianas Visitors Authority, Brabu Pharmacy and Wellness Center, Digital Motion, Triple J Superfresh Market, and Saipan Bike Pro.
