PANAJI
Angie Fernandes, a Grade X student of the Our lady of the Rosary school, Dona Paula finished a strong 5th place at the Nationals championship in Puri, Odisha against super experienced competitors who were running top bike setup.
“Huge congratulations to Angie and Joel for an amazing result and missing the podium by a mere 19 seconds. She is the only Goan who has ever finished in the top 5 at Nationals. I’m sure with better bike setup she would have secured the podium one hundred percent,” said Chetan Salkar of the cycling officials.
Angie is the first Goan to finish in the top 5 and is also the West zone 2024 gold Medalist(U-16) at Khelo India held at Baramati, in Maharashtra.
Angie has been cycling since she was 6 years old , however she chose to pursue Karate and is currently holding a Black Belt, (Dan 1) , cycling she took up seriously since 2022 and this being her 3rd Nationals .
As far as coaching is concerned, she has a private coach to assist her, who also consults on diet and technical requirements based on upcoming events and training.
She is the daughter of Joel Fernandes, national level football player and ex Dempo Juniors player and also a leisure cyclist.
“Cycling has always been close to her heart since a young age , we used to go on long rides, but she only got serious three years back and inspires us to be the best India,” said Joel.
“Equipment is a very important parameter in cycling through which you can further reduce and enhance speed in a timed event, which makes a huge difference overall, yes with better equipment she could have made the podium,” he added.
