PANAJI: A record 142 cyclists including seven women riders, completed Xaxti-200 labelled as Goa’s ‘toughest-ever cycling challenge’, states a press release by the organisers Xaxti Riders. The event was supported by Verna Industries Association (VIA).
Xaxti-200 involved more than 200 km of cycling atop a total elevation of 2,850 metres, which is equivalent to a third of the Mount Everest’s height of 8,848 metres, and had to be completed within 14:30 hours.
“It was a scenic yet rugged route, engineered to test the endurance of the body and strength of the mind,” said Sameer Nadkarni, president of Margao-based Xaxti Riders. “I humbly salute each and every rider who participated in this toughest-ever cycling challenge.”
Xaxti-200 was flagged off by the physically-challenged cycling enthusiast, Tinkesh Kaushik.
Navin Naik and Prince Colaco were the fastest riders, reaching the Xaxti-200 Finish Point within 9:00 and 9:30 hours, respectively. Among women riders, Dr Belinda Viegas-Mueller and Anuradha Guglani, were the first to finish the challenge in 11:30 hours.
The real hero-of-the day however, was young 22-year-old Avinash Gaonkar of Kazur village near Nentrvali, who was third to finish the gruelling ride (9:30 hours) on his single-speed bicycle. “We are truly proud of Avinash and will soon induct him in our Xaxti Racing initiative,” revealed Nadkarni.
