The 2025 Hell of the Marianas carried on its legacy as one of the Pacific’s toughest cycling events, and this year’s short course (50KM) showcased speed and local supremacy as NMI athletes secured first-place finishes in both the road and mountain bike categories Saturday morning at Marpi.
The short course road bike category, spanning Marpi to Coral Ocean Resort, Mobil Kagman, and back, saw Renren Gaviola and Heather Brook finishing first in their respective divisions.
In the male division, Renren Gaviola delivered a commanding performance, conquering the road circuit with a finish time of 1:28:50.62. He was among three riders battling for the lead but pulled away on the back road climb and maintained his gap through Puerto Rico, crossing the finish line ahead of the pack.
Gaviola said the race was fun with many participants, and he enjoyed seeing athletes from other countries travel to Saipan to compete in the Hell of the Marianas. “I am so glad that I won even though I trained for only a month. I join this event every year and every other bike race on island,” said 25-year-old Gaviola. Next year, he plans to challenge himself in the long course.
Trailing closely behind was Christian Villacrusis, who finished second with a time of 1:28:51.62, while Nap Dizon took third at 1:28:51.81.
The female division was just as exciting; Heather Brook claimed the top spot six minutes ahead of the competition with a time of 1:38:02.65. Jay Anne Felipe followed in second at 1:44:04.30, with Marjorie Ganacias taking third at 1:56:31.94.
NMI’s Briann Ytac and Rose Fontanilla also stood out as the top finishers in the mountain bike category.
Ytac was the undisputed leader in the male division, finishing in 1:34:19.192. Michael Aparte finished second (1:36:35.480), edging out Wifi Dela Rosa, who settled for third at 1:36:36.138.
In the female division, Fontanilla Rosemente claimed gold at 2:08:49.493, followed by Rose Ann Mascariñas in second (2:20:44.754) and Monique Mascariñas in third (2:54:46.279).
The race was sponsored by Coca-Cola/BodyArmor/Powerade/Foremost Quench Purified Water, Aga Enterprises, Atkins Kroll Saipan, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, CTSI Logistics, BL Machine Shop, D&Q International, D&W Enterprises, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, GenPro, Global Security Agency, GPPC, Graphics, Himawari, JMI Saipan, K.L. Carr, MARPC, Pacific Hardware, Pacific Health Inc., Pacifica Insurance, Puerto Rico Bento, Saipan Bike Pro, Saipan Stevedore, Tan Holdings Corp., Tan Siu Lin Foundation, TurnKey Solutions, United Airlines, Victory Enterprises, WSTCO, and Wushin. Event supporters included the CNMI Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Works, Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, and Division of Parks and Recreation.
