Bikers, the more fuel efficient man-powered kind, will undertake the 100 km (62.5 miles) route around the island.
This expansive course appeals to all levels of road and mountain bikers, from the novice (joining a team of four, each riding 25km); the intermediate as a team of two, riding 50 km each; and the avid cyclist tackling 100 km solo.
The course record set last year by Eli Torgeson was three hours 20 min 33 sec.
This year, Torgeson’s elite competitors include Guam’s Jazy Garcia who recently won the pre-tour 50 km fun ride last month, Park Hee Chan, winner of the 2002 Tagaman Triathlon and Cho Ka On, winner of the 2008 Jeju International Triathlon and the 3rd place finisher of the 2008 Tagaman Triathlon.
In addition, Marianas Visitors Authority and Pacific Island Club will host a Korean travel journalist from Joongang Daily to cover and promote the race.
PIC is aiming to attract approximately 75 cyclists representing Saipan, Guam and Korea.
This year’s sponsors are Aon Insurance, Aquarius Beach Tower, Asia Scooters, Chung Nam Corp., Coca Cola, Coral Ocean Point, Deloitte, Duty Free Shop, Department of Public Safety, G4S, Hornet, Joeten, JWS, Kautz Glass, KL Carr, MVA, NMIFA, PIC Guam, PTC, Pacific Telecommunications Inc., Shell, Sunset Dinner Cruise, Taga Inc., Tinian Dynasty, Triple J 5 Star Saipan and WDI Saipan.
The course starts at PIC and first heads north to the Chalan Piao intersection and makes a U-turn back to the start and proceeds south into the village of Koblerville toward the Saipan International Airport.
The cyclists will then, ride uphill towards the eastern fringes of the island, through the residential villages of San Vicente, Papago and Kagman toward the Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort.
The last portion of the race appears as a tourist map to Saipan’s infamous historical and scenic sites, including Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, Banzai Cliff, Beach Road and back to PIC’s finish line.
Another unique race features are the surprise race primes offered to four or more riders sprint in pursuit of a costumed “devil” holding a placard 100 meters ahead designated with dollar signs, indicating money is up for grabs at that instant.
PIC would like to notify to all motorists on the morning of Dec. 6 to be particularly cautious from 6:30 am to 9:30 am on the northbound lane of Isa Drive near San Vicente, Papago, Kagman and Capitol Hill where the bikers will be riding in packs.
There will be cones to indicate the bike lane. DPS officers and official media vehicles will also be present.
If motorists can circumvent these portions of Isa Drive during the above times, it will prevent heavy traffic congestion and enhance safety for all.
