Jomer Enriquez, center, Roy Hernandez, left, and Justin Miller pose for a photo during the awards ceremony of the 2023 Hell of the Marianas on Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom. The three were the top finishers in the 30-39 age group of the non-pro category.
Jay-Anne Felipe gives the thumbs up sign as she makes her way through the short course of the 2023 Hell of the Marianas on Saturday.
THE pro/elite category of the Hell of the Marianas is the true test of a cyclist’s strength and endurance, but the non-pro category still gives participants a taste of the challenge. And this year, it allowed several local cyclists to shine in their respective age groups.
The youngest female cyclist from Saipan, Jillian Ferrer, topped the U19 age group with a finish time of 5:19:06 while the youngest male cyclist, Renren Gaviola, topped the 20-24 age group in the men’s division.
In the 25-29 age group, South Korea’s Song Ha topped the women’s division with a time of 6:16:14 while Japan’s Yuya Nishikawa claimed the men’s title with a time of 4:49:29.
The women of South Korea also filled the top three list in the 30-34 age group led by Eunji Bong at 4:16:57, Charlotte Dixon at 5:09:38, and Jian Shin at 5:36:38.
Saipan filled the men’s division led by Arvin Velasco at 3:49:44, Aladin Deocareza at 4:15:56, and Paolo Pepito at 4:30:59.
In the women’s division, South Korea’s Seonghee Park topped the 35-39 age group with a time of 5:20:34 followed by Saipan’s Kerri Bauer who clocked 5:43:58.
In the men’s division, Guam’s Romel Solis finished first with a time of 3:37:17 while South Korea’s Hyosuk Gong came in second at 3:43:41. Jesung Yeon, also of South Korea, finished third at 4:16:58.
In the 40-44 age group, Saipan’s Fred Remilioza led the men’s division with a time of 4:14:32 followed by Travis Spaeth, also of Saipan, at 5:15:15, and South Korea’s Jin Kang at 5:36:28.
Saipan’s Nap Dizon topped the 45-49 age group clocking in at 4:01:56. South Korea’s Sungmin Kim finished second with a time of 4:06:57 while his compatriot Taehyong Kim came in third at 4:16:02.
Saipan’s Joel Buco shared the spotlight as the top finisher in the 50-54 age group with a time of 3:43:53. South Korea’s Sean Ro took second place with a time of 4:07:30 while Saipan’s Bob Ferrer finished third at 4:23:11.
For the 55-59 age group, South Korea’s Tae Sung Moon finished first in the men’s division with a time of 4:10:49 followed by fellow South Korean Young Nam Lee at 4:32:52, and Saipan’s Noel Altamirano at 4:59:02.
South Korea’s Jung Moon topped the 60 and above men’s division with a time of 4:06:54 while Tinian’s Norlo Jacosalem placed second with a time of 4:30:50. Coming in third was Saipan’s Pax Guevarra at 4:33:37.
Short course
The short course age group titles were mostly claimed by Saipan cyclists.
In the women’s division, Tinian’s Kim King-Hinds led the 30-39 age group with a time of 2:09:10 while Jay-Anne Felipe led the 40-49 age group with a time of 1:46:18, and was followed by Shawna Brennfleck at 1:49:29, and Marjorie Ganacias at 1:56:23.
Heather Kennedy led the 50-59 age group with a time of 1:58:36.
In the men’s division, Dennis Bautista led the 40-49 age group with a time of 1:41:07, followed by Nelson Pagaduan at 1:42:53 and Teddy Calma at 1:44:06.
Cesar Fortaleza led the 50-59 age group with a time of 1:42:48 followed by Ronald Villafria at 1:55:17 and Bernard Laborce at 1:58:36.
Jomer Enriquez led the 30-39 age group with a time of 1:48:10 followed by Roy Hernandez at 1:53:26 and Justin Miller at 1:55:44.
Edgar Abalos led the 60 and above with a time of 1:50:00 followed by Manny Sitchon at 2:04:10 and Danny Banez at 2:11:55.
Very thankful
Jay-Anne Felipe said she was more than happy for winning a title in the short course. “I’m very thankful for this unforgettable experience and I’m still shocked that I won the 50km because I stopped [biking] for a while because of my work schedule,” she said. “I’m also grateful that I was able to cross the finish line without any injuries. To share this experience and memory with riders from other countries and islands is a great privilege and a great way to end this year. Next year, I hope to participate in the 100km and challenge myself,” she added.
Another local cyclist, Jomer Enriquez, said: “Winning first place is another achievement for me aside from the fact that I work 12 hours a day, four days a week and still find time to practice and stay healthy.”
Enriquez added, “I felt motivated when I heard that the Hell of Marianas was coming back after the pandemic. Like other athletes of other sports, we were looking for a big event to showcase our talent and to compete. It’s a gathering of all cyclists from different countries and islands. I would like to express my gratitude to [the Marianas Visitors Authority] and [the NMI Cycling Federation] for a wonderful event. See you next year!”
