MARGAO: The 38-years-old Prince Ralph Colaco from Velim became the first Goan cyclist to complete the Half-Everesting Challenge by riding the Chadreshwar Hill for 18 times non-stop, recently.
The concept of Everesting Challenge requires a sportsperson to run or cycle up and down a hill until they reach the total or half vertical elevation equivalent to the height of Mt Everest (8,848 meters/4424 meters) in a single activity.
Colaco cycled for 12 hours continuously, going up and down the Chadreshwar hill to clock 5,108 meters. “I initially planned to do 15 loops but then I decided to push a bit and complete the challenge,” said the marine engineer and Merchant Navy officer. Colaco’s name has been included in Everesting’s Hall of Fame, alongside the best climbers in the world.
As a member of the Margao-based Xaxti Riders cycling club, Colaco began cycling a few years ago to keep fit. “As I got fitter, I began doing longer and tougher rides,” said Colaco. The cyclist rides 35-40 kms every day, and longer distances on weekends.
