Dizon rules MTB division of ‘Hell’

Saipan’s Nap Dizon negotiates Airport Road going uphill to San Vicente in last Saturday’s Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle race that started and ended at the road across Mariana Resort & Spa in Marpi.
(Contributed Photo)

Nap Dizon bested 17 other riders to rule the MTB division of last Saturday’s Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle race that started and ended just across the Mariana Seaside Circuit near the Mariana Resort & Spa in Marpi.

Dizon, who has been working as a sales representative for Transamerica Corp. for 10 years, circled around the island in 3:44:04 to become the overall winner and the 30-39 age division champion in the male category.

He kept a 6.60 miles per hour pace to finish 19:09 ahead of the 4:03:13 of closest pursuer Charlie Sendin, who was also the runner-up to Dizon in the same age group. J.C. Libut finished third (4:33:41).

Edwin Morales (4:38:54), Ernie Henzon (5:05:45), and Yogesh Singh (6:04:55) were the other riders in the 30-39 division.

“I also biked when I was still in the Philippines but it is more of a hobby and here on Saipan more of my exercise. I also became friends with some veterans who are serious cyclists back in the Philippines,” said Dizon, who has been cycling for more than five years, in a phone interview.

He added that course familiarity also helped him navigate his way through steep that being familiar with the racecourse also helped him in navigating his way through Saipan’s steep hills and sharp curves.

“We usually ride the same course three times a week. We head up Saipan’s north side every Tuesday and Thursday night, and we ride around the island every Saturdays,” added Dizon.

Fifteen other Saipan riders opted to join Dizon in the mountain bike category and avoided the road bike division, which is loaded with a strong field of experienced pros and international cyclists.

Rhenmer Remillosa of Tinian and Donald Stover, who flew all the way from Denver, were the other cyclists that also competed in the MTB.

Remillosa and Will Schroeder were the lone riders in the U17 and 18-29 divisions, clocking 4:36:05 and 5:38:58, respectively.

Dennis Bautista (4:22:23), Mark Isip (4:25:38), and Ferdinand Ramos (4:28:01) finished 1-2-3 in the 40-49 age group, while Noel Altamirano, who placed third overall, led the 50-59 year olds with a time of 4:21:56.

Romy Guevarra (4:47:41), Stover (4:52:07), Floro Derexes (5:01:23), Ruben Leynes (5:05:12), and Darryl Atwood (6:01:41) completed the cast also in the 50-59 division.