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| Saturday, 4 October 2003 |
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Lankan cyclists in luck's way by Bernard Perera Six cyclists will leave to compete at the Tour de Malaysia 2003 from October 6. The Tour de Malaysia is one of the leading events for cyclists in the Asian Region which is included in UCI Calendar for Elite Riders. Riders from Europe, Australia and Asia are billed to compete. The race will be run over a distance of 12 days, two days rest where a battle for supremacy would be witnessed. This was revealed at a ceremony held at the Sports Ministry Auditorium to wish good luck by the Minister of Sports, Johnston Fernando. Minister addressing the cyclists said: "They must maintain country's reputation. Earlier teams that went out had brought many black marks. This should not happen in the future. Cycling is one of poor man's sport. In the past there were many problems within the governing body which was divided and nothing was achieved for the sport. The present Interim Committee headed by P. P. N. Pathirana, DIG has carried on well up to now. His enthusiasm has paid heavy dividends during the last few months. This is amply proved," he said. He has been able to put cycling on the right track. This gives me confidence on the committee and I request them to continue with this good work. My ministry want the cyclists to be professionals. If not they cannot survive. I will look into the possibility of handing them an allowance monthly (for ten riders) who will be selected for a national pool. He also said that Lanka's should be happy to hear that N. Karunaratne has been selected as the chief commissioner for this year's event in Malaysia. The winner of the event will receive a cash award of US$30,000. Already over 200 cyclists from Japan, Taiwan, Russia, Korea, Mongolia, Holland, Ukrain, Kazikastan, Iran and Sri Lanka have confirmed their participation. The officials will accompany the cyclists on tour. The team: H. L. Krishantha (Capt), Yasaratne Perera, C. P. Meemanage, C. Dinesh Silva, Jagath Kumara Silva, Sampath Krishantha, Wing Cdr. Suresh Fernando (Manager), Sanjeeva Muttiah (Asst. Manager) and Sgt. Ranjith Karunaratne (Coach). |
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