Bagenov and his compatriot, Eugeniy Smarchkov arrived at the finish line in tandem ahead of everybody by about 10 minutes.
They did not cross the line right away. With nobody else in sight behind them, they looked at the ticking clock as they saddled down then smile at each other.
The two Russian bikers decided between themselves who’s going to get it first.
Bagenov lifted his bike and used it to cut the red tape at 3 hours, 3 minutes and 25.88 seconds. Smarchkov was right next to him following suit at 3:03:26.78.
It turned out that Smarchkov looks up to the man he considered a mentor. He said he knew Bagenov was going to cross the finish line first.
“I know Alexander is better than me. He always keeps my morale high. He deserves to be the first,” Smarchkov said with help of an interpreter in an interview after they crossed the finish line.
Yes. They had time talking to the media and pose for photos beyond the finish line before the next finisher arrived.
For his part, Bagenov said he and Smarchkov rode together as a symbol of friendship.
The Hell of the Marianas which they joined for the first time is really great and they were both happy to be a part of this year’s event.
Bagenov said he is preparing for the summer season back home. Smarchkov said he is also excited to be home.
Coming third over all and the first female biker to hit the finish line was Amber Halliday of Australia. She completed the tour in 3:13:20.09.
Hwan Geol Lee of Korea came fourth. He came at 3:14:00.97.
Finishing fifth was Guam’s Jazy Garcia who was last year’s second placer. He reached the finish line at 3:22:23.66. Right behind him was his fellow Guamanian, Chiyo Lombard who finished with 3:22:24.18.
Also making it to the Top 10 were Saipan’s Mieko Carey who finished seventh completing the course in 3:22:27.78 and Lewie Tenorio who came eighth with 3:22:28.37.
Carey who also won instant cash after catching the “devil” was the second fastest in women’s division while Tenorio topped the 36 to 45 years old bracket.
Paul Chetwynd of Japan finished ninth with 3:22:42.50 and Cameron O’ Neal of Guam came 10th with 3:26:12.44. O’ Neal topped the 26 to 35 age bracket.
Kieran Daly of Saipan finished 12th over all but won the first place in the 46 to 55 age division, followed by Wilfredo Barbo also of Saipan, who took the course in 3:48:39.62.
In the team division, the 2 Riders Team 9 won the first place with Harold Ralang and Romeo Villa both arriving at the finish line at 3:54:53.59.
Placing second in team division were Korea’s Kwang Hee Ryu and Tae Yeon Yoon who crossed the finish line at 3:58:13.12.
