MARGAO
The 51st All Goa Cycle Race, organised by the Guirdolim Club in association with Sudesh Bhise, took place on January 26 with 47 participants.
The event kicked off with the Chief Guest Sudesh Bhise unfurling the national flag to commemorate the 76th Republic Day. Following the flag hoisting, cycling legend Peter Rodrigues flagged off the race.
In the Men’s Open Category, Mark Jose Fernandes from Loutolim secured first place for the second consecutive year, finishing in 37:30 minutes. He was closely followed by Derwyn Viegas from Chinchinim, who clocked 37:44 minutes, and Shravan Jog from Ponda, who came third with a time of 38:20 minutes.
In the Women’s Category, Angie Fernandes from Panaji triumphed as the first-time winner, while veteran Adlin Mascarenhas from Loutolim placed second and Elifa Fernandes from Varca took third.
The College Category saw Ashwel Fernandes of Fr Agnelo College, Pilar, claim first place, with Umesh Gadi of Fr Joseph Vaz College coming second and Valanco Fernandes from Rosary College, Navelim, finishing third.
In the Above 45 Years Category, veteran racer Antonio Fernandes continued his winning streak, while promising cyclist Vicente Fernandes from Cotta-Chandor won the Chandor-Guirdolim Category for the second year in a row.
A newly introduced Mixed Junior Category featured 11 participants, with Nathan Fernandes from Manovikas English Medium School taking first place. Aarya Fernandes from Rosary School, Panaji, came second, while Samer Halgi of Chandranath High School secured third.
Veteran racer Joulius Colaco from Guirdolim, the oldest participant in this year’s race, was honored with a special memento.
The winners received cash prizes, trophies, and certificates from the Chief Guest Sudesh Bhise, and Guest of Honour Peter Rodrigues. Special invitees included Arnaldo Costa, Guirdolim Sarpanch Sonia Fernandes, Dy. Sarpanch Joao Peixoto, Panch Member Franky Rodrigues, and Executive Committee members of the Guirdolim Club.
