ROBYN Spaeth, who placed third in the Inaugural Oceania Cycling Confederation Pacific Cup Time Trial on Friday, earned another bronze medal, this time in the 15th Annual Tour of Guam on Sunday.
The NMI’s Robyn Spaeth celebrates after completing the 2022 Tour of Guam/Pacific Cup Sunday on Guam.
A Marianas High School teacher, Spaeth finished the OCC Pacific Cup Time Trial with a time of 01:00:08.4 and clocked 3:54:32.5 in the Tour of Guam.
“I am really happy with my results for both races and to have the opportunity to represent the NMI in the return of the Pacific Cup,” she told Variety. “Going into these events, I was not anticipating making the podium, so I was thrilled with my 3rd place finishes.”
She said the 105K Tour of Guam “was the toughest, both physically and mentally, but both courses were absolutely gorgeous. By the end of the 105K race, I was not concerned with my ranking but [I was] striving to finish.”
Spaeth started to train for the events about two to three months ago with the help of NMI triathlon coach Mick Ferris, her good friend and training partner Kathy Ruszala and a biking group.
“With their help and support, Kathy and I worked on building up our distance and speed,” Spaeth said.
Topping the elite female category of the Tour of Guam was Celine Hirzel with a time of 3:28:26.0 followed by Sandrine Frogier with a time of 3:42:03.6. The NMI’s Kathy Ruszala was fifth overall with a time of 4:37:36.7.
“I am so thankful to my family, friends, coach, and the NMI Cycling Federation for all of their support,” Spaeth said. “My husband, Travis Spaeth, has been so amazing and supportive of me as I train for different events. Additionally, I am fortunate to have a fantastic group of biking friends who motivate and train with me on long, early morning rides.”
She added, “A big thank you to OCC and Jay Diyco for inviting and encouraging me to participate. Special thanks to the Guam Cycling Federation for hosting a great weekend of cycling. I hope to see more events like this in the future to help the sport grow in our island communities.”
Gold medalist
The NMI’s Florence Antonio claimed gold in the 42 km, 60-69 age category of the Tour of Guam. The 63-year-old cyclist finished with a time of 1:49:41.9, beating Andrew Martin, who settled for second place with a time of 1:54:22.9, and Mark Beggs in third with a time of 1:57:11.1.
