The Hell of the Marianas, one of the toughest cycling events in the Pacific region, is set to return on Dec. 7, 2024, and registration is now open at www.hellofthemarianas.com. This grueling road race, held on the island of Saipan in the Marianas, attracts cyclists from around the world to take on the island’s challenging terrain.
“The Marianas Visitors Authority is pleased to again join with the Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation in organizing this year’s Hell of the Marianas,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Last year was our first big international road race since the pandemic, and we had nearly 200 bikers from six countries and territories. This year we aim to grow our partnerships with international cycling clubs, online key-opinion-leaders, and our sponsors to bring a solid race and more exposure to cycling in the Marianas.”
The Hell of the Marianas features a 100-kilometer course that winds its way through Saipan’s hills, valleys, and scenic byways. Participants must navigate 4,900 feet of ascents, including steep climbs and fast descents, making it a true test of endurance and skill. The event is open to both amateur and professional riders.
“We are hoping to keep the success going after last year’s event and looking to make this year’s event our best yet,” said president Vince Seman of the Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation. “
Prizes will be awarded to winners in various categories. Participants will also receive a race t-shirt and entry to the awards banquet.
The race has become an important part of Saipan’s sporting and cultural scene and has helped raise awareness of the island’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage.
For more information, contact NMI Cycling Federation President Vince Seman at nmicycling@gmail.com. (PR)
The Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle last Saturday attracted 175 registered cyclists, with professional racers from Japan and Korea taking top honors. Participating countries and territories were South Korea, Japan, Russia, Guam, USA, and The Marianas.
The race, jointly organized the Marianas Visitors Authority and Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation, attracted cyclists from around the world to take on the island’s challenging terrain.
In the Professional Division, Ryohei Fujita and Rinichiro Shigeta of SunBrave Professional Cycling Team in Japan crossed the finish line first and in unison in 3:17:35. They were followed by Ryan Matienzo of Guam (3:19:00) and Peter Lombard of Guam (3:21:54). Topping the Women’s Division on the long course were a trio from Korea: Miso Kim (3:44:21), Jiseon Jang (4:06:14), and Jo Ara (4:06:26).
Among the non-pros, topping the Men’s Division were Romel Solis of Guam (3:37:17), Hyosuk Gong of Korea (3:43:14), and Joel Buco of The Marianas (3:43:53). For the women, it was Eunji Bong of Korea (4:16:57), Charlotte Dixon of Korea (5:09:38), and Jillian Christi Ferrer of The Marianas (5:19:06).
In the short course of 50K, The Marianas took all the top slots, with Dennis Bautista (1:41:07), Cesar Fortaleza (1:32:48), and Nelson Pagaduan (1:42:53) finishing first for the men, and JayAnne Felipe (1:46:18), Shawna Brennflect (1:49:29), and Marjorie Ganacias (1:56:23) leading the women.
“Overall, feedback from the riders was very positive for Hell of The Marianas, and so we count the event as a success,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Hats off to all the phenomenal riders who had the fortitude to finish this challenging course. And a big thank to our community for making our riders feel welcomed—to drivers who helped keep riders safe on the roads by driving carefully, to the students and others those who came out and cheered for the participants, and to all our other supporters. We look forward to welcoming all the riders back—and more—in 2024 for another unforgettable race.”
Started in 2007, Hell of the Marianas winds its way through Saipan’s hills, valleys, and scenic byways. Participants navigated a grueling 4,900 feet of ascents, including steep climbs and fast descents, making it a true test of endurance and skill. The race has become an important part of Saipan’s sporting and cultural scene and has helped raise awareness of the island’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage.
“Restarting the HOM after a long COVID hiatus, we are so pleased that MVA worked to ensure the event could continue,” said NMI Cycling Federation president Vince Seman. “Seeing all the positive feedback from the off-island participants, we are excited and looking forward to continuing this great event in the years to come.,”
Hell of The Marianas was sponsored by Tan Holdings Corp., Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Seman Law Offices, IP&E, Turnkey Solutions, Triple J, Pacific Trading Co., Hyatt Regency Saipan, Bike Shop Saipan, Marpac, and Herman’s Modern Bakery. The event was also supported by the Dept. of Public Safety, Div. of Parks & Recreation, Dept. of Public Works, Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, Vice Speaker Joel Camacho, LJ Lawn Care, Saipan Lions Club, and numerous other volunteers.
Hell of The Marianas is traditionally held on the first Saturday of December. (MVA)
CYCLISTS went through “hell” on Saturday, but came back alive in the return of the Hell of the Marianas with participants from Japan and South Korea taking the spotlight in the pro/elite category.
The day started with perfect weather conditions as cyclists covered 100km of the toughest bike race course in Micronesia.
In the men’s division, it was a nail-biting battle for the lead among Ryohei Fujita and Rinichiro Shigeta of Japan and Ryan Matienzo of Guam. It was not until halfway through the course that Fujita and Shigeta gained control and pedaled their way toward the finish line amid heavy rain in a grueling course.
Separated by just a fraction of a millisecond, Fujita crossed the finish line first while Shigeta followed. Both shared a time of 3:17:25. They said the course was hard and then slippery.
In third place with a finish time of 3:19:00 was Matienzo, a veteran triathlete who travels to Saipan to compete. Asked why he decided to join a bike race, he replied, “Because there were no marathons.”
The rest of the top nine were Guam’s Peter Lombard (3:21:54), Guam’s Blayde Blas (3:25:36), South Korea’s Byeong Tak Lee (3:26:24), Guam’s Jacob Jones (3:37:42), Guam’s Dan Aponik (3:40:11), and South Korea’s Seokwon Park (6:17:43).
Women’s division
The pouring rain toward the end of the course was truly hell for some of the women’s cyclists. South Korea’s Miso Kim fell during the race and was bleeding but she kept pushing through to finish first with a time of 3:44:21.
Jiseon Jang came in second with a time of 4:06:14 while Jo Ara finished third with a time of 4:06:26.
Saipan’s riders filled the rest of the top six with Robyn Spaeth in fourth with a time of 4:25:51 followed by Kimiko Mckagan at 4:45:20 and Kathy Ruszala at 5:24:24.
A total of 175 cyclists competed in the 2023 Hell of the Marianas.
The non-pro category and age group winners will be featured in Variety’s next edition.
THE pro/elite category of the Hell of the Marianas is the true test of a cyclist’s strength and endurance, but the non-pro category still gives participants a taste of the challenge. And this year, it allowed several local cyclists to shine in their respective age groups.
The youngest female cyclist from Saipan, Jillian Ferrer, topped the U19 age group with a finish time of 5:19:06 while the youngest male cyclist, Renren Gaviola, topped the 20-24 age group in the men’s division.
In the 25-29 age group, South Korea’s Song Ha topped the women’s division with a time of 6:16:14 while Japan’s Yuya Nishikawa claimed the men’s title with a time of 4:49:29.
The women of South Korea also filled the top three list in the 30-34 age group led by Eunji Bong at 4:16:57, Charlotte Dixon at 5:09:38, and Jian Shin at 5:36:38.
Saipan filled the men’s division led by Arvin Velasco at 3:49:44, Aladin Deocareza at 4:15:56, and Paolo Pepito at 4:30:59.
In the women’s division, South Korea’s Seonghee Park topped the 35-39 age group with a time of 5:20:34 followed by Saipan’s Kerri Bauer who clocked 5:43:58.
In the men’s division, Guam’s Romel Solis finished first with a time of 3:37:17 while South Korea’s Hyosuk Gong came in second at 3:43:41. Jesung Yeon, also of South Korea, finished third at 4:16:58.
In the 40-44 age group, Saipan’s Fred Remilioza led the men’s division with a time of 4:14:32 followed by Travis Spaeth, also of Saipan, at 5:15:15, and South Korea’s Jin Kang at 5:36:28.
Saipan’s Nap Dizon topped the 45-49 age group clocking in at 4:01:56. South Korea’s Sungmin Kim finished second with a time of 4:06:57 while his compatriot Taehyong Kim came in third at 4:16:02.
Saipan’s Joel Buco shared the spotlight as the top finisher in the 50-54 age group with a time of 3:43:53. South Korea’s Sean Ro took second place with a time of 4:07:30 while Saipan’s Bob Ferrer finished third at 4:23:11.
For the 55-59 age group, South Korea’s Tae Sung Moon finished first in the men’s division with a time of 4:10:49 followed by fellow South Korean Young Nam Lee at 4:32:52, and Saipan’s Noel Altamirano at 4:59:02.
South Korea’s Jung Moon topped the 60 and above men’s division with a time of 4:06:54 while Tinian’s Norlo Jacosalem placed second with a time of 4:30:50. Coming in third was Saipan’s Pax Guevarra at 4:33:37.
Short course
The short course age group titles were mostly claimed by Saipan cyclists.
In the women’s division, Tinian’s Kim King-Hinds led the 30-39 age group with a time of 2:09:10 while Jay-Anne Felipe led the 40-49 age group with a time of 1:46:18, and was followed by Shawna Brennfleck at 1:49:29, and Marjorie Ganacias at 1:56:23.
Heather Kennedy led the 50-59 age group with a time of 1:58:36.
In the men’s division, Dennis Bautista led the 40-49 age group with a time of 1:41:07, followed by Nelson Pagaduan at 1:42:53 and Teddy Calma at 1:44:06.
Cesar Fortaleza led the 50-59 age group with a time of 1:42:48 followed by Ronald Villafria at 1:55:17 and Bernard Laborce at 1:58:36.
Jomer Enriquez led the 30-39 age group with a time of 1:48:10 followed by Roy Hernandez at 1:53:26 and Justin Miller at 1:55:44.
Edgar Abalos led the 60 and above with a time of 1:50:00 followed by Manny Sitchon at 2:04:10 and Danny Banez at 2:11:55.
Very thankful
Jay-Anne Felipe said she was more than happy for winning a title in the short course. “I’m very thankful for this unforgettable experience and I’m still shocked that I won the 50km because I stopped [biking] for a while because of my work schedule,” she said. “I’m also grateful that I was able to cross the finish line without any injuries. To share this experience and memory with riders from other countries and islands is a great privilege and a great way to end this year. Next year, I hope to participate in the 100km and challenge myself,” she added.
Another local cyclist, Jomer Enriquez, said: “Winning first place is another achievement for me aside from the fact that I work 12 hours a day, four days a week and still find time to practice and stay healthy.”
Enriquez added, “I felt motivated when I heard that the Hell of Marianas was coming back after the pandemic. Like other athletes of other sports, we were looking for a big event to showcase our talent and to compete. It’s a gathering of all cyclists from different countries and islands. I would like to express my gratitude to [the Marianas Visitors Authority] and [the NMI Cycling Federation] for a wonderful event. See you next year!”
One hundred twenty-two cyclists from five countries and territories have signed up to ride in the Hell of the Marianas century cycle on Dec. 2, 2023, on the island of Saipan. The early bird registration deadline for the event is today, Nov. 15.
The race, jointly organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation, attracts cyclists from around the world to take on the island’s challenging terrain. Participating countries to date are South Korea, Japan, Russia, Guam, and the Marianas.
As of detailed statistics on Nov. 8, 11 pros—all men—had signed on, including seven from Guam, three from Japan, and one from Korea. Fifty-seven men from Korea, Guam, Japan, Russia, and the Marianas will take on the men’s open course of the 100K race, while 26 women from the Marianas, Korea, and Guam will take on the women’s open course. On the 50K short course, eight men and six women from the Marianas have signed on, with one more men’s competitor from Guam. The short course MTB race—ridden on mountain bikes—has seven challengers from the Marianas, as well. Registrants from the Marianas are all from Saipan, except for one entry to date from Tinian.
Registration is $60 through Nov. 15, 2023, and $85 thereafter for what racers have called one of the toughest cycling events in the Pacific region. Prizes will be awarded for male and female in the categories of pro/elite and age group. Participants will also receive a race T-shirt and entry to the awards banquet.
“The last few years of competition have had limited and largely local participants due to the pandemic. It’s great to see Hell of the Marianas back in full force this year with strong international participation,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We’re pleased to welcome back to the islands some of our international friends from years past, and we’re looking forward to delivering another great race with the same challenging elevation changes and some stunning new views of Saipan.”
To register, visit webscorer.com and use Race ID 312625.
The Hell of the Marianas winds its way through Saipan’s hills, valleys, and scenic byways. Participants must navigate 4,900 feet of ascents, including steep climbs and fast descents, making it a true test of endurance and skill. The event is open to both amateur and professional riders. The race has become an important part of Saipan’s sporting and cultural scene and has helped raise awareness of the island’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. Begun in 2007, the Hell is considered the ultimate race with professional athletes arriving from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Russia, Australia, Guam, and elsewhere to participate.
For more information, contact NMI Cycling Federation president Vince Seman at nmicycling@gmail.com. (MVA)
