Spaeth third in Pacific Cup time trials

Robyn Spaeth, left, made a podium finish in last Friday’s Inaugural Pacific Cup Guam. Also in photo are first and second placers Celine Herzel and Sandrine Frozier of New Caledonia. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Robyn Spaeth won a bronze medal in the road time trial of Oceania Cycling Confederation’s Inaugural Pacific Cup last Friday in Guam.

The CNMI national triathlon team member in the last Pacific Mini Games finished with a time of 1:00.08.4 to place third in the women’s competition topped by New Caledonia’s Celine Herzel (54:00.5) with her countrywoman Sandrine Frozier (54:34.4) coming in second. The CNMI’s Kathy Ruszala finished fourth in a time of 1:06:44.9.

“I was shocked to learn I placed but was thrilled with how the whole race went. This is the first time I have competed in a time trial so I couldn’t really gauge how I was doing in comparison to the other competitors,” said Spaeth. 

Regardless of the outcome and whether Team NMI brings home a medal or not, Spaeth said she’s always proud of how they are representing their home islands in Guam.

“I am so proud of the whole NMI team, we all did our best and had great results to reflect that. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can ride on the 100K. I’ve never rode in Guam so every hill and turn is new to me. At this point I am just focusing on embracing how painful it’s going to be and to hopefully finish strong. I am very thankful to all of the organizers and the support I have received to compete in the first Pacific Cup!”

Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation official and Team NMI manager Jay Diyco congratulated Spaeth for her third place finish in the road time trial.

“First of all I would like to congratulate her for her great performance. The whole NMICF is very proud of her. Congratulations also to Kathy for coming in fourth place at the time trial event.”

Aside from the CNMI and host Guam, five other island nations took part in the inaugural Pacific Cup—Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, and Tahiti.

Guam cyclists include Ed Oingerang, Derek Horton, Dan Aponik, Blayde Blas, Jake Jones, Jennifer Camacho, Blanda Camacho, Aliza Haun, and Tara Tydingco

Fiji is made up of Jone Takape, Umendra Kumar, and Timaima Takape, while Samoa sent Natanielu Afoa and Jasmine Naea

Vanuatu’s lone ride is Didier Maucatel, while aside from Herzel and Frogier, New Caledonia flew in Herve Gane and Yohan Cema.

Tahiti was comprised of Kahiri Endeler and Bastien Guegano.

Comprising a time trial on Friday and a road race on Sunday, the Pacific Cup is held concurrently with the Tour of Guam. The two races provide an opportunity for riders across Pacific nations to test themselves in a strong regional competition.

The last Pacific island cycling event held was at the Pacific Games in Tahiti in 1995. The 27-year absence of an inter-island cycling competition has seen the Pacific Cup a highlight of the Oceania calendar, with strong entries from across the region.

As well as Spaeth and Ruszala, the NMI team for the Pacific Cup was also made up of Willy Barbo, Cesar Fortaleza, and Nomer Mangalinao.