Saipan bikers lead way in Tour De Tinian

Nap Dizon led Saipan bikers’ domination of last Saturday’s Tour De Tinian.

Dizon was the overall top finisher in the 100-kilometer MTB race that started and ended at Kammer Beach and coincided with the San Jose Fiesta weekend. Dizon completed the century distance race in 4:47:06 to place ahead of 16 other finishers and rule the men’s open division. He made it to the finish line just one minute and eight seconds earlier than runner-up Erico Castro, who timed in at 4:48:14. Rounding out the Top 3 in the men’s open division was another Saipan bet, Peter Prestley, who submitted 5:04:10.

Participants in last Saturday’s Tour De Tinian pose for a photo at the starting line before heading out to the 100-kilometer course. (Contributed Photo)

Athena Andrews, also from Saipan, was the fourth overall finisher and first in the women’s division after finishing the race in 5:12:35. She prevailed against fellow Saipan biker Glorybel Tan (6:08:13).

In the men’s 36 to 45 age group, Saipan’s Bob Ferrer defeated two Tinian bikers. He logged 5:13:07 to win over the host’s Charlie and Fernando Cabreros, who recorded 5:28:25 and 5:35:21, respectively. In the 46-and-above division, Saipan also finished first with Cesar Fortaleza timing in at 5:26:11 to down Tinian’s Norlo Jacosalem (5:30:03) and Robert Fajardo (5:57:19), while Wynn Brillo was the lone entry in the under 25 age group and posted 6:08:15 (No. 14 overall).

For the relay race, Dencio Bautista and George De Guzman combined for 4:58:25 to finish ahead of fellow Saipan bikers Rusty Valino and Enrique Suba, who registered 5:11:55. There was also a four-man team in the race with the Tinian quartet of Rameshi Adhikar, Jimmy Cabay, and Julian and Jack Hofschneider tallying 6:07:31.

Meanwhile, 11 other bikers joined the weekend race, but failed to finish due to technical problems and crashes.

In the kids division, 11 participated in the short race with Lino Tenorio, J.C. Ferrer, and Matthew Sarmiento ruling their respective age groups. Tenorio was the top finisher in the U5 division, placing ahead of Jasper Borja, Galyug Joseph Untalan, and Brayden John Santos. Ferrer reigned supreme in the girls 6 to 7 age group, prevailing against Siena Fleming Lazaro and Mary Manuel, while Sarmiento won in the boys division against Amiel Noah Jacosalem, Edmar Tirona, and Sean Plunkett.

Meanwhile, race organizer Bikers Association of Tinian would like to thank the following for supporting the Tour De Tinian: Marianas Visitors Authority, Johnson’s Air Conditioning, Office of the Tinian Mayor, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and Buckle Up CNMI. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)