PANAJI
Xaxti Riders organised Xaxti 100 - 2022, the cycling club’s signature 100-km annual cycle ride, on Sunday. More than 400 cyclists participated in the 6th edition of the event.
“This speaks volumes about how much cycling has become a part of life in this tiny State of Goa,” said Sameer Nadkarni, President of Xaxti Riders. “Interestingly, Xaxti-100 is often the event which sees many a rider notching his or her first century ride.”
Xaxti 100 - 2022 was flagged off by Abhishek Dhania (IPS), Superintendent of Police, South Goa District. “It is great to be here and experience the electrifying atmosphere and the synergy of the cyclists, irrespective of their ages or gender,” noted Dhania. Bossuet da Silva, SP HQ-2 Goa Police, was the guest of honour. “Being a Xaxtikar by birth and residence, it is just about being at home with Xaxti Riders,” Bossuet da Silva said.
Clad in specially-designed jerseys, the cyclists sped through the lush green environs of South Goa’s hinterland, traversing the hilly and flat landscape around Caurem, Sulcorna, Curpem, Vichundrem, Zambaulim and Rivona. Among the riders were doctors, lawyers, architects, students, teachers, among others.
The growing number of women taking to cycling was palpable, given the fact that they accounted for almost one out of every five registered riders. The eldest to participate was 80-year old Rtd.Wg.Cdr. Ajit Guglani, and the youngest were Ronel Gomes and Sripad Lotlikar, both 11-year-old school children.
Xaxti 100 - 2022 included a competitive segment which was won by Vinayak Gaonkar, Jewel Viegas and Rosevan Menezes in men’s category and by Dr Blanche Themudo, Megan Fernandes and Adlin Mascarenhas in the women's category.
