PANAJI
Prince Ralph Colaco of Velim became the first Goan cyclist and 14th Indian to complete the twin challenges “ full Everesting and 10,000-metre Elevation “ in a single attempt.
The concept of Everesting Challenge is extremely simple but brutally tough. It requires a sportsperson to run or cycle up and down a hill until they reach the total or half vertical elevation equivalent to the height of Mt Everest (8,848 metres/4424 metres) in a single activity. Similarly, the 10,000-metre Vertical Challenge involves a single, unbroken vertical ride with no time restriction, no distance requirement and no sleep allowed. According to the organisers, “this approach is all about finding the boundaries of what is possible in a single ride.”
Colaco cycled for 33 hours continuously, going up and down the Chandreshwar hill 36 times to clock a whopping 10,459 metres. He began his vertical marathon on Friday, October 22 at 6 am and completed the incredible twin challenges the next day at 2.30 pm.
“Having done the Half-Everesting Challenge last November at Chandreshwar, it was always on my mind to complete the full Everesting,” the marine engineer and Merchant Navy officer said. “After completing the full Everesting challenge in 32 loops, I decided to push myself for additional 4 loops and complete the 10,000-metre Elevation Challenge as well.”
Colaco’s name has been included in Everesting’s Hall of Fame, alongside the 870 best climbers in the world. A member of the Margao-based Xaxti Riders cycling club, Colaco began riding a few years ago to keep fit. “I have been part of the Margao-based Xaxti Riders and their support and encouragement was really overwhelming to attempt and complete the challenges,” said the 39-year-old cyclist.
Sameer Nadkarni, the president of Xaxti Riders, lauded Colaco’s feat. “Apart from being a consistence cyclist, Colaco is always looking for tough challenges,” Nadkarni said. We at Xaxti Riders are extremely proud of him and his amazing achievements.”
