JOEL Buco and Robyn Spaeth finished first in their respective divisions of the long course category of the Saipan Unity Lions Club 6th Annual Bike Race Sunday at Banzai Cliff.
Buco has won the long course title for the third straight year.
Joel Buco, center, and other bikers take off at the start of the Saipan Unity Lions Club 6th Annual Bike Race Sunday at Banzai Cliff.
Starting from Banzai Cliff, the bikers made their way to the turning point at Mobil Tanapag, then to the one-million-gallon landmark, to Suicide Cliff and the Bird Island lookout before heading back to the starting point at Banzai Cliff.
Buco was in the lead during the entire 33K race and crossed the finish line with a time of 01:08:04 followed by Ren Ren Gaviola at 01:08:25 and Mark Isip who clocked 01:09:30.
“I did my best,” Buco said. “I do this because biking is my favorite hobby.”
For the 48-year-old veteran biker, the toughest part of the course was the incline which tested the racers’ strength.
The lady is a champ
In the women’s division, Robyn Spaeth clinched the title with over 30 seconds ahead of the competition, clocking 01:15:50.
Robyn Spaeth heads for the finish line during the Saipan Unity Lions Club 6th Annual Bike Race Sunday at Banzai Cliff.
In second place was Ayano Braxton with a time of 01:16:26 while Heather Brook finished third at 01:16:58.
Mountain bikes
Joining the spotlight was Nap Dizon who topped the Mountain Bike long course category. It was a tough race, but he managed to clear the course with a finish time of 01:20:25.
Rolando Gacayan shadowed closely behind to bag second place at 01:20:49 while Mike Hokage came in third with a time of 01:22:15.
Nap Dizon, center, poses with Rolando Gacayan, left, and Mike Hokage, right, along with Saipan Unity Lions Club members during the award ceremony of the Saipan Unity Lions Club 6th Annual Bike Race Sunday at Banzai Cliff.
Dizon said winning made him feel young again. “I joined because I wanted to surprise the younger guys. I wanted to show them that a veteran cyclist could still compete with new and stronger riders.”
He added that the climb from the Bird Island lookout was the toughest part of the course. “I felt the pain!” he said.
A total of 83 bikers participated in this year’s race as part of “Pedal for Health,” a signature event of the Saipan Unity Lions Club to promote cycling and healthy living.
Proceeds of the event will go to the various community projects that are in line with the Lions Clubs International’s global causes.
The Saipan Unity Lions Club would like to thank its generous sponsors and the community for their continued support.
