In its 50th year, oldest cycle race sets new record

Panaji: The Guirdolim Club has been organising the All Goa Cycle Race for the last 50 years and get about 20 cyclists taking part from across the state.

Club president Patwin Fizardo knew better participation was needed for the 50th edition this year, so he knocked on all possible doors. The target: at least 50. The response? Thanks to Xaxti Riders, a cycling group based in Margao, 67 cyclists turned up to make Goa’s oldest cycling race a memorable affair.

"For the 49th edition last year, one girl, Kiera Arauso, turned up with her bicycle. She was the only participant. It spurred us to announce that we will have a women's race this year. We had 18 participants and Kiera went on to win the race," said Fizardo.

In its 50th year, the club did not forget its past winners, many of whom are legends of the sport in Goa. Among those who were felicitated were Pandarinath Naik, Peter Rodrigues, Yashwant Tari, Minguel Vaz, Manoj Naik, Julius Colaco and Antonio Fernandes.

The 24-km race turned out to be a memorable one with a new meet record being set by Mark Jose Fernandes from Loutolim, who clocked 36.04 minutes in the men's category.

Jewel Viegas of Chinchinim (36.41 mins) finished second, while Ashwel Fernandes from Camurlim settled for third place (36.44 minutes).

In the college category, Valancio Fernandes from Rosary College, Navelim, stood first. He was followed by Deep Raikar of Damodar College, Margao, and Artham Baromuly of Chowgule College.

In the women's category, young Kiara from Taleigao finished ahead of Eliza Mascarenhas (Varca) and Selza Coutinho (Margao).

The team championship for the college category was bagged by St Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim, with Government College, Quepem, finishing second.