Team Herald
MARGAO: A record 141 cyclists, including 10 women riders, completed Xaxti-200, Goa’s toughest cycling challenge, organized by Margao-based Xaxti Riders.
The grueling endurance ride involved more than 200 km of cycling atop a total elevation of 2,575 meters — equivalent to 30% of Mount Everest’s height of 8,848 meters – to be completed within 14:30 hours.
The 209-km hinterland route was dotted with quiet villages, temples, a free-flowing stream at Bhatim, winding climbs and exhilarating down-slopes.
“It was a scenic yet rugged route, engineered to test the endurance of the mind, body and soul of every rider,” said Sameer Nadkarni, president of Xaxti Riders. “Xaxti-200 is an endurance ride in which every finisher is winner and is worthy of the state-of-art medal crafted especially for this ultra-challenging ride.”
Apart from Goa, the cyclists from Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai and a lone rider from Kolkata, also participated in the annual signature ride of Xaxti Riders.
Xaxti Riders is a hugely-popular cycling club in South Goa. Over the years, it has built-up sizeable biking community.
It has been instrumental in scouting new talent and inspiring young people to take to the road.
