VETERANS Joel Buco and Ayano Braxton shined in the Pacific Cup time trial tryout on Saturday as they topped their respective divisions. This put them on top of the five eligible spots for the CNMI in the Pacific Cup that will be held on Dec. 10 and 12, 2021 on Guam.
Buco and Braxton sped through the 10-mile route from Banzai Cliff to Mobil Tanapag and back.
Buco cleared the course with a time of 25:44 to finish first overall. Arvin Velasco, who placed second in the men’s division, crossed the finish line at 26:46 while Mark Isip was third with a time of 27:16.
The rest of the male participants were Cesar Fortaleza who clocked 28:35, Renren Gaviola (28:37), Bernard Laborce (28:52), Lo Manalo (29:11), Mike Hokage Aparte (29:20), Noel Altamirano (29:49), Wilfredo Barbo (29:54), Nestor Abing (29:57), Edgar Abalos (30:03), Ponciano Corotan (30:07), Jalen Lucido (30:44), and Florence Antonio(31:05).
In the women’s division Ayano Braxton was numero uno with a time of 31:34.
Five CNMI riders — three men and two women — are eligible to participate in the Pacific Cup which is spearheaded by the Oceania Cycling Confederation.
Besides the CNMI and Guam, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti and Vanuatu are also participating in the Pacific Cup.
Riders gather at the starting line for the Pacific Cup time trial tryout at Banzai Cliff on Saturday.
Ayano Braxton warms up before the race.
