MARGAO
A total of 103 cyclists completed the TriGoa Foundation’s Century ride on Sunday in Panaji and Margao regions.
While 53 cyclists completed the ride in the Panaji region (50km and 100km rides put together), 50 cyclists completed the rides in the Margao region (50km and 100km rides put together).
The highlight of the Panaji ride was the successful participation of Wing Commander Ajit Guglani (78), the oldest, endurance cyclist in Goa. The retired Indian Air Force pilot, who has in the past cycled as many as 2,000 kms in one calendar month said that he enjoyed the ride immensely.
“As I am a resident of Chicalim, the cycle routes in North Goa are new to me and I love exploring new routes all the time,” the senior cyclist said.
Likewise, 68-year-old Carlton Gomez, a retired Indian Railways officer was the oldest cyclist in the Margao region. Gomez successfully completed his first 50km ride. Gomez said, “I enjoyed the ride thoroughly. I have begun cycling only in the Lockdown period and was happy to see the greenery in our South Goa villages.”
Dr Vishwajit Faldesai, an experienced endurance cyclist and medical superintendent of the ESI Covid hospital in Margao also successfully completed the 100km Margao ride. Said Dr Faldesai, “The 100 km ride today was a major stress buster for me. I have been working 12-14 hour days every day.”
The cyclist-doctor said he was attending to work-related telephone calls even while completing the 100km ride and was joining duty immediately after the ride on Sunday.
Robert Dourado of Nuvem, an experienced marathon runner was riding an ordinary ladies' bicycle and was all smiles at the start of the 50km Margao ride. Said Dourado, “I began cycling in the Lockdown period and am looking forward to this ride as I would like to add beach cycling to my fitness routine.”
Rajesh Malhotra, founder, TriGoa Foundation and organiser of this Century Ride confirmed that the government’s safety directives had been followed and all riders were extremely disciplined about it. “I was happy with the turnout of riders in both towns for our Century ride. All cyclists had come well prepared for the endurance rides and completed the rides in good time,” Malhotra said.
TriGoa’s Brevet season (long-distance cycling) begins on October 18 with a 200km ride, registrations for which have opened.
