In a major boost to the growing cycling culture in Goa, a number of senior officials participated in Xaxti-100 on Sunday, December 4, 2022. The signature 100km cycle ride is organised annually by Goa’s popular cycling club, Xaxti Riders and supported by the Verna Industries Association (VIA).
The officials who completed the 100km cycle ride included IGP Omvir Singh Bishnoi IPS, North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan IPS, South Goa SP Abhishek Dhania IPS, South Goa District Collector Kum Jyoti Kumari IAS, Secretary to Chief Minister Ajit Roy IAS, South Goa Principal District Sessions Judge Irshad Agha, CO of 3MTR Col Charanjit Singh Chahil, Chief Town Planner James Mathew, besides a host of others; stated a press release.
Xaxti-100, which saw a record participation of more than 450 cyclists – including those from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Raichur — was flagged-off by South Goa District Collector, Jyoti Kumari who later joined the 100-km ride.
“To witness a visual delight of red and blue against the backdrop of Ravindra Bhavan and then the cyclists cruising through the hinterlands of South Goa was indeed a gratifying sight,” says Sameer Nadkarni, President of Xaxti Riders. “Nothing brings the community together than an event like this.”
Clad in specially-designed jerseys, the cyclists sped through the lush green environs of South Goa’s hinterland, traversing the hilly and flat landscape.
The eldest participant was 80-year-old Rtd. Wg. Cdr. Ajit Guglani, and the youngest, 11-year-old Sripad Lotlikar.
The growing number of women taking to cycling was palpable, given the fact they accounted for one out of every seven registered riders.
Dr Belinda Viegas, Goa’s foremost cyclist who is mentioned in the Limca Book of Records for being an accomplished randonneur, was the senior-most woman participant.
Under its Talent Search programme, Xaxti Riders presented high-end giant cycle to Avinash Gaonkar (23) for his extraordinary talent in cycle racing. “Xaxti Riders selects these young cyclists from rural areas, and trains, motivates and supports them to attain competitive success at State and National level,” explains President Nadkarni. The cycle was presented by Jyoti Kumari.
