Ponce Corotan smiles as he nears the finish line of the 2024 Rotary Club of Saipan “End Polio Now” Cycling Challenge at Banzai Cliff on Saturday.
PONCE Corotan topped the men’s short course, road bike division of the 2024 Rotary Club of Saipan “End Polio Now” Cycling Challenge at Banzai Cliff on Saturday morning.
The 65-year-old veteran biker Corotan, who clocked 39:25, was unmatched when it came to speed and control as he led the competition throughout the 20K course, which stretched from Banzai Cliff to the turnaround point in front of Saipan Select and then back to the cliff.
In an interview, Corotan said the course was “flat and it was a little windy, but I managed to do what I could.”
Because he forgot to bring his water bottle with him to the race, Corotan had to stop by a store to quench his thirst. But he still held a comfortable distance and crossed the finish line without a rush.
“It’s nice. I think this is the most participants I’ve seen in a race,” he said, referring to the 100 cyclists who signed up for the event that aims to raise funds to support the Rotarians’ world-wide “End Polio Now” campaign.
In second place was Rotary Club International District 2750 Governor Yoichiro Miyazaki with a finish time of 39:50 while third place was claimed by Jaypee Pangilinan at 40:28.
In the 40-49 age category, the lone rider Leo Wania clocked 57:58.
In the 50-59 age category, Renato Barros was first with a time of 40:52 followed by Enoch Lim at 59:03 and Ruel Magtalas at 1:03:01.
Mountain bikes
In the men’s short course, mountain bike division, TJ Ferrer led the below 40 age category with a time of 59:49 followed by Simon Necesito at 57:47.
Fredal Sedillo topped the 40-49 age group with a time of 47:25 with John Jimeno following with a time of 51:04.
In in the 50-59 age group, Rico Banungay finished first with a time of 51:00 while June Pineda claimed second at 54:15. Bob Ferrer, who came in third, clocked 57:03.
In the women’s short course, mountain bike division, Juanita Fajardo, the lone runner, finished at 01:05:46.
Kids course
In the female divison of the kids course, Olivia Walsh led the 6-8 age group with a time of 1:59 with Mike McKagan in second place at 2:25.
Princess Gariguez finished first in the 9-12 age group at 2:46 followed by LoVel Spaeth at 2:50.
In the male division, Vince Seman Jr. led the 6-8 age group with a time of 2:01 followed by Brayden Brennfleck at 2:03; Declan Spaeth, 2:06; Luke Seman, 2:20; and Huck Bauer, 2:37.
Zhoefet Cellona led the 9-12 age group with a time of 2:40 followed by PJ Seman at 2:42; Beau Bauer, 2:52; Cooper Fong, 2:54; Jackson Koning, 3:01; and Gabriel Walsh, 3:30.
“Yoichiro Miyazaki wanted to do a fun ride here in Saipan so he brought his bike from Japan,” Rotarian Charles Cepeda said, referring to the Rotary Club International District 2750 governor.
“Rotary Club of Saipan president Irene Holl told me to organize a bike ride,” Cepeda added. “After creating a committee to set up a fun ride, it turned into a big race with the help of the NMI Cycling Federation.”
The Rotary Club of Saipan donated $2,024 to Rotary International’s 2024 End Polio Now initiative.
Rotary Club International District 2750 Governor Yoichiro Miyazaki waves as he completes the short course of the 2024 Rotary Club of Saipan “End Polio Now” Cycling Challenge at Banzai Cliff on Saturday.
Young bikers make their way to the finish line of the 2024 Rotary Club of Saipan “End Polio Now” Cycling Challenge at Banzai Cliff on Saturday.
