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 100 km cycle ride is organised annually by Goa’s biggest and most popular cycling club Xaxti Riders and is supported by the Verna Industries Association (VIA).
The top-notch officials who completed the 100 km cycle ride included IGP Omvir Singh Bishnoi IPS, North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan IPS, South Goa SP Abhishek Dhania IPS, South Goa District Collector 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 and Chief Town Planner James Mathew, besides a host of others.
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, the president of Xaxti Riders.
He added, “Nothing brings the community together like an event of this type.”
Clad in specially designed jerseys, the cyclists sped through the lush green environs of South Goa’s hinterland, traversing the hilly and flat landscape.
Among the riders were doctors, lawyers, architects, business and IT persons, students, teachers and others.
The oldest to participate 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 oldest female participant.
Under its Talent Search programme, Xaxti Riders presented a high-end Giant cycle to Avinash Gaonkar (23) for his extraordinary talent in cycle racing.
“Xaxti Riders selects these young cyclists from rural areas; trains, motivates and supports them to attain competitive success at the state and national levels,” explains president Nadkarni. The cycle was presented by Jyoti Kumari.
Xaxti Riders is a hugely popular cycling club in South Goa. Over the years it has built up a sizeable biking community. The Margao-based Xaxti Riders has been instrumental in scouting new talent and inspiring young people to take to the road cycling.