TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Cycling Association of Goa is having a non competitive 25-kilometre cycling event titled ‘Cyclone’ on December 19, in Mapusa, in association with Cycling Goa and Pro Pedalerz as partners, to increase awareness about cycling in the State.
Ileana D’Cruz is also supporting the event which is likely to be flagged off by dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’ Souza.
“It is not a race but an event. It is an awareness ride and open to all enthusiasts above 15 years,” Ryan Braganza, the main organizer, told media at a press conference held Saturday to announce the event.
He said that they would continue to hold such events and the next one would be organised in Margao.
“All kinds of cycles will be allowed at the events,” Dr Nitish Kerkar told media, while responding to a query on whether there would be any restrictions on cycles to be used.
According to Bryan Soares, president of Cycling Goa, they have been having many events in Panjim that included endurance events, moonlight rides, bird watching rides in a bid to promote the sport where the older cyclists could combine seeing places as well as fitness and the younger cyclists could be nudged into going in for competitive cycling.
“The whole idea is to popularize cycling,” Soares said.
According to them Goa has the best terrain for cycling in the country where one cannot cycle for 5 kms without crossing a hill and this really builds up a cyclist.
The Cycling Association of Goa was formed in 2008 and has two clubs affiliated to it.
Cycling Goa is a registered association comprising of cycling enthusiasts who have come together to promote the cause of cycling for exercise, sport, recreation and commuting. Cycling Goa promotes encourages the community to cycle for a fitter and healthier lifestyle. ‘Cycling Goa’ is also the umbrella organization for Goa Randonneurs (affiliated to Audax Club Parisien, France), which is dedicated to endurance cycling.
