NMITF scraps Micro Games qualifier

The search for the Marianas’ masters of endurance took a detour today as the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation postponed the second 2006 Micronesian Games qualifying race in favor of safety.

According to race director Sue Knecht, the well-being of the competing triathletes took precedence over the quest for the best as harsh weather, a high-surf advisory, a small craft advisory, and winds predicted to blow between 25-40mph were deemed to be too much for the Olympic distance challenge.

Saipan had more than its fair share of rain yesterday and, with even more expected today, the NMITF pushed back the test of wills to Jan. 28 to coincide with the NMITF Enticer Series and Sprint races.

The 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run legs of the Olympic-distance course await the multi-sport mavens in Marpi. Registration begins at 5:45am, with the race getting underway when the swim kicks off at 6:30am at the federation’s familiar transition point at Pau Pau Beach.

“I hope this does not negatively effect anyone, but safety comes first above all, plus we would want to give the qualifiers the best conditions possible,” said Knecht.

Aside from the safety considerations for the triathletes, Knecht also expressed her concern for the volunteers who would have spent some three hours in the elements clearing the roadways of traffic.

The postponement actually comes as good news for some of the racers as many have spent weeks and months gearing up for next Saturday’s Inaugural Saipan Marathon.

“Now the Saipan marathoners will have time to rest their legs for next weekend,” said Knecht.

As a reminder, the end-of-month events are open to teams as well as to individuals not eligible for the Games. Teams are encouraged, and lone racers can use the event as a stepping stone for the XTERRA Saipan Championship and Tagaman Triathlon in April.

Those continuing along the multi-sport path for the first time also stand to gain from throwing their hat into the ring for the event as the NMITF will recognize the most improved rookie award at the end of March.

For more information about the next NMITF qualifier, the upcoming Enticer Series, or this weekend’s Kids Tryathlon Series, contact Knecht via email at sueknecht1@yahoo.com.