Ferrer tops women’s Tan Holdings Bike Race

J.C. Ferrer, right, poses with third placer Jay Ann Felipe at the podium after ruling the Tan Holdings 50th Anniversary Road/ MTB Bike Race last Saturday at Banzai Cliff in Marpi. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A16-year-old student-athlete from Marianas High School blazed through the roads and conquered the competition during the Tan Holdings 50th Anniversary Road/ MTB Bike Race last Saturday at Banzai Cliff in Marpi.

With over 100 participants from beginners to seasoned competitors, J.C. Ferrer sped through the 50-km long course from Banzai Cliff to Seafix in Tanapag, then back to Banzai Cliff again with a time of just 1:27:11.

Kimiko McKagan came in second place with a time of 1:30:18 and Jay Ann Felipe came in third place with a time of 1:30:19.

At just 16 years old, Ferrer was introduced to the sport at the young age of 3 years old by her father, Bob, when he took off the training wheels from her bicycle. “My father then bought me a bike a few years later when I was around 11 years old just to have cross training for tennis. A year [later] I decided to quit tennis and fully focus on cycling.”

She told Saipan Tribune that during last Saturday’s race, she “felt very enthusiastic and very nervous about the race. When the race began I was over thinking quite a lot knowing I haven’t raced in almost a year. I wasn’t expecting to win afterwards because I hadn’t been training as much as I usually do. My father had said to try my best, I was beyond happy when I finished the race!”

“My father has been my coach since I was little. He’s been my coach for multiple sports. I’d like to say my family is my greatest inspiration, they’ve inspired me and motivated me in many ways, I’d like to thank them for it. I’d like to thank my mom and brother for the everlasting support and joy they give me. And I’d also like to thank team C&R for the support!” added Ferrer.

Ferrer has participated in Lions Club races, Pika Festival, the 100K Tour de Tinian, and her greatest achievement, the Hell of the Marianas.

In the 2019 Hell of the Marianas, a then 14-year-old Ferrer topped the 100-kilometer race in 4:16:20, reaching the start/finish line at the former Mariana Resort & Spa 8 seconds ahead of 30 to 39 age group women’s champion Robyn Spaeth (4:16:28).

Tan Holdings executives joined in on the Saturday fun as well and raced in the E-Bike category. President and CEO Jerry Tan came out in first place, followed by vice president of Corporate Business Development Alex Sablan.

In the women’s division, Merlie Tolentino, Tan Siu Lin Foundation executive director, came in first, followed by Melanie Santos in second place, and Christy Villaflor in third place.

The event was in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary since its inception and was the first in a series of athletic events to celebrate its anniversary.

Up next in the 50th celebration of Tan Holdings, there will be a “Sprint Triathlon” on Saturday, Sept. 3, with more details to follow in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.

Lastly, there will be a walkathon starting at the Garapan Fishing Base at 6:30am on Monday, Sept. 5, and at 4pm from the POI Aviation building in Airport Road.