The cycling community in Goa is all geared to get the wheels rolling again after a long break. This Sunday, February 26, the Goa University road will see cyclists in four categories test their mettle at time-interval loops.
The four categories of racers are: Masters and women, amateur challengers, elite and couch potato.
These loops, categorised as time handicap criterium race, will start at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. The reporting time is at 6.30 am and 6.45 am flag-off. The crit racers will do three loops, totalling 36 kms.
START SEQUENCE
The Couch Potato Category will go first with a +15 minutes advantage, Masters second with a +7 minutes advantage followed by Amateur Challengers with +5 minutes and Elite to start last.
Any rider who has represented the state at any national championship (latest or earlier) will have to compulsorily start in the Elite category. The registration is free. One has to just show up with his/her bike and helemt is a must.
Parents or guardians will have to accompany under-18 riders and their signed consent before the race will be mandatory.
JOY OF RACING
According to Placid Fernandes, who is part of the organising team, this is not exactly a crit race, but something which comes close to it. "The idea here is to give a feel of racing to everyone from an experienced rider to a newbie. Each category will be given time advantage to motivate cyclists to show up for the event," he explained.
DETAILS
WHEN: February 26, 2023
WHERE: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao
TIME: 6.30 am
FLAG-OFF: 6.45 am