PANAJI: Prince Ralph Colaco from 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, says a press release by Xaxti Riders.
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 meters/4424 meters) 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 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 6am and completed the incredible twin challenges on Saturday, October 23 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,” says the 39-year-old marine engineer and Merchant Navy officer. “After completing the full Everesting challenge in 32 loops, I decided to push myself for additional 4 loops and complete the 10,000-metres 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 proud 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,” confides Colaco.
“Apart from being a consistent cyclist, Colaco is always looking for tough challenges,” says Sameer Nadkarni, president of Xaxti Riders. ”We at Xaxti Riders are extremely proud of him and his amazing achievements.”
