Mieko, Lewie win in Tour de Guahan

Saipan pro Mieko Carey survived cramps and two tough riders to defend the women’s division title in last Sunday’s lung-busting 2012 Tour de Guahan.

Carey completed the 110-kilometer race in three hours, 29 minutes, and two seconds to set a new course record in the women’s division and eclipse her own mark (3:30:27) last year when she won over Korean Ji Hyun Lee.

Lee returned this year and was joined by U.S. pro and Olympic hopeful Lenore Pipes, making the 2012 women’s field more competitive. However, Carey did not back down to the challenge from the two strong riders, as she came out on top of the race again. Lee settled for another runner-up finish with her time of 3:32.12, while Pipes, who hails from Talofofo, Guam, but is now based in New York, rounded out the Top 3 after posting 3:35:42. Last year, Carey finished the race about 10 and 30 minutes ahead of Lee and third placer Michelle Peariso, respectively.

“It was a tougher race than last year as three ladies were riding together until the 80K point. I came back here as defending champion which made me more nervous and pressured. Also it was my first race for this season so I was not sure how much I am in shape now and if I am ready to race or not,” said Carey, who still finished second overall behind men’s open division winner Peter Lombard (3:23:22).

Carey was in the lead group in women’s the first 16K flat ride along with Lee, Pipes, and three male riders. Then next came the long hilly part that dominated the hard course.

“This was where the real race started. It was hilly until finish line. I did not try to push early,” the Saipan pro said.

Midway through the race, several riders slowed down, while one female dropped out, making Mieko worried about the remaining uphill climb.

“I was nervous, I don’t know how far I can keep up with them after climbing 30K,” Carey said.

At the 80K mark on the way up to Umatac, Carey’s legs began to cramp up.

“It was very painful. After Umatic, I was second overall. I could see the first rider, but my legs were badly hurt. I tried to stretch them but it made them worse. I took gel and told myself I had one more hour to race. I was in first place in the women’s division at that time, but two strong female riders are chasing me. I could not take it easy. I kept telling myself I have to go and push harder. Then suddenly the cramps were gone. I was lucky,” the back-to-back champion said.

Then in the last 10K of the race, Carey kept it going, as her support crew told her Lee was only two minutes behind.

“I know I was tired just like everyone, but that did not make me slow down. I was just up by two minutes and they [Lee and Pipes] still have a chance to catch up. Then a few steps away from the finish line, I slowed down. It was tough but it was a pleasure to ride with strong women. I am happy to finish first in the women’s division and second overall. It was great to start the season with this win,” added Carey, who thanked Guam Cycling Federation for organizing the race, her sponsors IT&E, Brubu, Bike Pro, Zoot, Salomon, and Sunnto, and her family and friends.

It was double celebration for Saipan Team that joined the weekend race as besides Carey, Lewie Tenorio also made it to the podium after winning the 40-49 age group. Tenorio timed in at 3:32:00 to finish second behind Lombard and third overall.

Tenorio was way ahead of 40-49 age group runner-up Rick Leone (3:46:09) and John Frias (3:55:21) and even beat three open division finishers Ben Dillon (3:35:36), Mark Walters (3:38:56), and Derek Horton (3:42:04).

Two other Saipan bikers joined the Tour De Guahan with Florence Antonio and Susan Marchitti clocking in at 4:27:06 (third in the men’s 50 to 59) and 6:07:57, respectively.