Motorists’ cooperation requested for Hell of Marianas

The 7th Hell of Marianas Century Cycle Race is soon approaching and the NMI Cycling Federation would like to notify to all motorists on the morning of Dec. 7 to be particularly cautious from 6:30am to 9:30am on the northbound lane of Isa Drive near San Vicente, Papago, Kagman and Capitol Hill where the cyclists will be riding in packs. There will be cones to indicate the bike lane as well as DPS officers and official media vehicles. If motorists can circumvent these portions of Isa Drive during the above times, it will prevent heavy traffic congestion and enhance safety for all.

The race starts at 6:15am at the Mariana Resort & Spa with international pro and amateur competitors from Japan, Korea, Russia, Australia, Hawaii, US mainland, Guam, China, Taiwan and of course, the CNMI. Individuals and teams will compete in various categories with cash prizes to the top pro and amateur road and mountain bikers.

The fastest pro men are expected to complete the grueling 100km course in approximately tw hours 40 minutes. Much of Chalan Pale Arnold Road from La Fiesta towards the scenic sites will be congested with cyclists, volunteers, and team members.

For additional safety measures, residents are ask to restrain their dogs in the morning along the route. The 100km (62 mile) course takes racers from Mariana Resort down to PIC through Koblerville to the Airport, past Herman’s Bakery through San Vicente, Papago, down to Lao Lao Golf Course entrance and back, down to Kingfisher Golf Links and back, down Capitol Hill, to the top of San Roque’s Radar Station, to Suicide Cliff, Bird Island Lookout, Banzai Cliff and back to Mariana Resort. Drivers, please be careful as more bicyclists will be riding on the roads training from now until Dec. 7

Volunteers who are interested in assisting with the race, please email homrace@yahoo.com by tomorrow. For those already entered, the race packet pick up is set for Dec. 6 at the Mariana Resort Lobby (west conference room) from 2pm to 6pm.

Interested participants who wish to register can go to Gold’s Gym Saipan or follow the link on www.hell-of-the-marianas.com or register directly online at http://www.activeglobal.com/gl/road-cycling/saipan-northern-mariana-islands/hell-of-the-marianas-century-cycle-2013. (PR)