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Triumphant return to ‘Hell’
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Posted on Dec 17 2019
Kieran Daly heads to the finish line of the 2019 Hell of Marianas Century Cycle Race en route to topping his division. (Hell of Marianas Photo)
Hell of Marianas pioneer Kieran Daly returned to Saipan early this month and finished the 100-kilometer race on top of his division.
Daly rounded out the course in 3:48:49 to rule the men’s 55 to 59 age group, crossing the finish line at the former Mariana Resort & Spa nearly 10 minutes ahead of CNMI resident Cesar Fortaleza (3:58:29). Norlo Jacosalem, also a Commonwealth resident, completed the Top 3 after checking in at 4:03:38.
Daly, who left Saipan in 2011 to move back to Australia, placed No. 22 overall out of the more than 60 individual finishers and would have gotten a better ranking if not for cramping in the last stage of the grueling race held last Dec. 7.
“I had a reasonable race, but ended up cramping at the 85K mark and lost about 6 places to finish about 22nd I think. The new start area definitely makes the race tougher as you now have to climb out of Kingfisher at the very end. This climb at the 90K adds to the pain and suffering of the race day,” said the former Pacific Islands Club Saipan general manager.
When Daly started the Hell of Marianas in 2007, the century race had its start/finish line at PIC Saipan in San Antonio with the climbs on the northern end the island coming at the 50K mark of the course. After leaving Saipan in 2011, Daly returned to the island two years later and raced in the original course before trying out the revised route this year.
“It was amazing to be back on Saipan and catch up with old friends. I really appreciate the efforts of Ricky Castro and Vince Seaman under the guidance of the Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation and support of the Marianas Visitors Authority. The race has grown internationally and the opportunity for many more to come will need support from the airline and tourism authorities,” said Daly.
This year’s Hell of Marianas drew 127 bikers from 11 countries and territories. Daly’s compatriot Kevin Biffiger ruled the men’s pro division after timing in at 2:57:02, while Guam’s Laura Nadeau topped the women’s field with her 3:27:55.
