(MVA) — It was picture-perfect weather for this year’s Hell of the Marianas century cycle on Saturday, Dec. 7, delivering a heavenly sight for the 160 bikers who signed up for the challenge on the Pacific island of Saipan.
In the Professional Division 100K, Ryo Inoue of Japan crossed the finish line first and in unison in 3:08:34, shaving nine minutes off last year’s winning time. He was followed Michiya Suzuki of Japan (3:04:31) and Rick Nobel of the Netherlands (3:08:24). Topping the Women’s Division on the long course, Miso Kim (3:29:28), of South Korea repeated her winning performance of 2023, followed by Yukako Suzuki of Japan (3:39:44). Jiseon Jang (5:11:11) of South Korea, who finished in 2nd place last year, also made the winners podium again this year in 3rd place.
“It was very hard,” said Inoue after his 1st place finish. “My favorite part was Suicide (Cliff) — climbing, the beautiful scene. Very beautiful! This is my first visit to Saipan, but I love (it). I want to come back next year.”
Cerulean skies dotted with soft white clouds framed the 100K course that traversed the Pacific island’s most picturesque natural landscapes, all while challenging participants to nearly 5,000 feet of ascents and descents in a race sure to be remembered by participants for both its beauty and pain.
Among the non-pros, topping the Men’s Division were Ryusei Kuragagi (3:32:52) of Japan, Arvin Velasco (3:34:37) of the Northern Marianas, and Dan Aponik (3:45:44) of Guam. For the women, it as Robyn Spaeth (4:28:15) of the Northern Marianas, Kimiko McKagan (4:47:53) of Japan, and Nahyun Kim (5:02:23) of Korea.
In the short course of 50K, finishing first for the Men was Hernando Cristobal of the Philippines (1:42:31) and Willy Barbo (1:44:04) edging out Pax Guevarra (1:44:07), both of the Northern Marianas. Finishing first for the women were Heather Brook (1:49:05) of the Northern Marianas and Hyowoon Kim (1:52:18) and Ha Song (1:53:12) of Korea.
Other participating countries were Russia, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. The annual race was jointly organized by the MVA and Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation.
“Hell of the Marianas is breath-taking, in more ways than one,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “It’s been a great opportunity to showcase some of the best nature scenes on Saipan. We were excited to see more of the bikers from prior years returning again this year. Also, we’re grateful to our local community for helping to keep participants safe on the road. A great race we can all be proud of.”
Started in 2007, Hell of the Marianas challenges participants to a grueling course, including steep climbs and fast descents, making it a true test of endurance and skill. The first part of the course traversed the more populated roadways in the southern half of the island, while the second half took participants along the forested scenic byways and beaches of Windward Road and the cultural and historical landscapes of northern Marpi.
Hell of the Marianas was sponsored by Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, United Airlines, Hawaiian Rock Product, Saipan Bike Pro, Seman Law Offices, Latte Built, and Turnkey Solutions. The event was also supported by the Department of Public Safety, the Division of Parks & Recreation, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and numerous other volunteers.
Hell of the Marianas is traditionally held on the first Saturday of December in Saipan, the capital island of the Northern Marianas accessible via direct flight from Tokyo, Seoul, and other major Asian cities.
Cyclists take off to take on the challenge of Hell of the Marianas century cycle in Saipan on Dec. 7, 2024. The race attracted 160 bikers from 10 countries and territories to take on 4,900 feet of ascents and descents.
Ocean, sky, and green hills frame a biker on the course for Hell of the Marianas century cycle on Dec. 7, 2024.
Bikers take on the 100K Hell of the Marianas on Dec. 7, 2024, in Saipan.
The forests of Marpi on Saipan are the last part of the course for Hell of the Marianas century cycle on Dec. 7, 2024, in Saipan. The race is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Cyclists descend from the peak of Suicide Cliff during Hell of the Marianas on Dec. 7, 2024, in Saipan.
