Galedo rules ‘Hell of Marianas’ in Saipan as Filipinos sweep podium

Mark Galedo wins 2017 “Hell of the Marianas” in Saipan. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JON Perez

Mark Galedo ruled the 2017 Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle as the Filipinos swept the podium in the annual race in Saipan Saturday.

The 2014 Le Tour overall champion, who finished third in last year’s competition, completed the tough course known for its punishing hills in three hours, 15 minutes, and 51 seconds.

This year was even harder as a minor change in the layout made the race 15 kilometers longer.

“I was looking at the others in the lead group and I saw that no one was moving. So I attacked when I got a bit of a gap and I just kept going, ” said the 7 Eleven Roadbike rider.

The 19-year old Ronald Lomotos, meanwhile, came in for four seconds behind Galedo at 3:15:55 in his first time at Hell of the Marianas while last year’s champion Jan Paul Morales wound up third at 3:21:32.

Morales was disappointed for failing to keep the crown, but he is proud that a fellow Filipino dominated the race anew.

“Naturally, I was frustrated but I’m still happy because a Filipino win. Next year, I’ll return to get back the title.”