Thiruvananthapuram: Gopika Nandu, a city-based cyclist and triathlete who became the youngest woman super randonneur (SR) in the state after successfully completing four long distance events (200km, 300km, 400km and 600km) known as brevets during a randonneuring season (an international long-distance cycling sport), has her eyes set on the Ironman Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the toughest endurance events in the world.A member of the Trivandrum Bikers Club (TBC), the 22-year-old had become an SR, along with another woman - Priya Suresh from the Cochin Bikers Club (CBC) - during the randonneuring season ending October 31. Gopika, TBC’s first woman SR, did her 200km and 300km brevets with TBC and 400km and 600km brevets with CBC.“We are proud of her achievement and hope this will attract more women into the sport,” said Ajith S, the Ride Responsible (RR) of brevets being conducted by TBC.“Compared to Kochi, woman participation in cycling events like randonneuring is low in the capital city,” added Ajith. Governed by Audax Club Parisien (ACP), randonneuring events are conducted by various affiliated clubs.For Gopika, this is just a start to her long career in endurance events, and in August 2019, she will be taking part in the ‘Ironman’ competition in the Danish capital.Already registered for the event, the task before her is to complete 3.8km swimming, 180km cycling and 42.2km marathon run, all three at a stretch within the stipulated time.“Though an athlete during my school days, I took to running seriously in 2013. Gradually I started with my swimming as well, and it was only last year I bought my bike to begin cycling with TBC,” said Gopika, who is now one among the two active woman members of the club.She said the brevets have few takers among women as they are endurance events. “Besides, there’s a lack of awareness on the sport among the youngsters. It’s a sport which can help you develop your personality and enhance your survival skills,” she added.In randonneuring, the riders attempting courses of 200km or more will have to pass through checkpoints every few tens of kilometres, and complete the course within the specified time.The riders could travel in groups or alone as they wish, and the randonneuring season spans from every November 1 to next October 31.A randonneur who completes a series of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km in one season is called a super randonneur (SR).

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