PANJIM: Sundaram Narayanan of Manipal Hospitals Panaji was crowned Cycling Goa’s Summer cross country (XC) champion for 2017 after conclusion of the final 22-km race at Krishnapur, Valpoi on Sunday.
The finals of the three-part series saw a nail-biting finish where another Panaji cyclist, Bhushan Pai Vernekar prevailed over Sundaram by micro-seconds. However, Sundaram emerged as overall champion based on his cumulative performance in the three races. Pai Vernekar stood second and Delfim Silva came third. A total of 53 cyclists took part in the three-part series.
In the final race with the handicap system, Devraj Gholkar of Bicholim won the final race beating back the challenge from Rennick Abreu of Margao and Delfim Silva of Panaji who finished second and third respectively.
The team event was won by Rock Riders, the Panaji team comprising Freddie Colaco, Vivek Ferrao and Bhushan Pai Vernekar. The event was supported by Escapades, Marin Bikes India, Polygon Bikes India, Sigma and Real Drinks. Manipal Hospitals was the medical support partner.
