PANAJI
A record 80 cyclists, including two women riders, completed Xaxti-200 cycling challenge which involved an elevation of 2,735 metres, equivalent to a third of the Mount Everest’s height of 8,848 metres.
“I humbly salute each and every rider who participated in Goa’s toughest-ever cycling challenge,” said Sameer Nadkarni of Xaxti Riders.
Vinayak Gaonkar and Ramchandra Salunke were the fastest riders, reaching the Xaxti-200 finish point within 7:30 hours. Two women cyclists, Dr Belinda Viegas-Mueller and Mohua Sen, finished the challenge well within the stipulated time of 13:30 hours. Dr Belinda’s name appears in the Limca Book of Records as the only Indian woman cyclist to have completed three 1,200-km rides in a single calendar year.
The real hero of the day was young Vrushabh Shetkar of Quepem, who rode over 200km and atop 2,735-metre elevations in his single-speed Frog bicycle. “We are truly proud of Vrushabh as he is part of the Xaxti Riders’ Talent Search Initiative,” revealed Nadkarni.
Xaxti Riders is a cycling club in South Goa. Over the years, it has built up a sizeable biking community. The Margao-based Xaxti Riders has been instrumental in scouting new talent and inspiring young people to take to the road.
