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| Thursday, 4 November 2004 |
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ANCL media sponsor : Over 3,000 cyclists for 'Cycle Cyclone 2004' by Bernard Perera The Cycle Cyclone organised by Intermediate Technology Development Group which is a environment friendly organisation along with Interim Committee for Cycling and Mountain Biking Association which is scheduled for this Sunday has received lot of enthusiasm among the cyclists in Sri Lanka. The event co-sponsored by Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) as media sponsor. This Cycle Cyclone 2004 is scheduled to commence from two points Ja-Ela and Moratuwa with the participation of over 3,000 cyclists from all walks of life. These details were disclosed by Dr. Visakha Hidellana, Director ITDG at a press briefing held at Grand Oriental Hotel last week. Dr. Hidellana said "Sri Lanka has a 19 million population but it uses only three million cycles. There should be a way to educate the people the advantage of using a cycle; that was the main reason why our organisation undertook a task of this nature with assistance from ICC and the Mountain Biking Association. She further added that in Sri Lanka, a person using a cycle is not cared for. It should be the thing to happen". The cyclist is a mode of transport for everybody. People of this country should understand that using a cycle does lot of good to the user, the environment and it also keeps him healthy while saving a few rupees what is spent on transport as such a cycle is vehicle that helps the country at large", she said. The Cycle Cyclone 2004 which commences at 7.30 a.m. at Ja-Ela will see the Transport Minister Felix Perera leading the rally, meanwhile the scheduled rally from Moratuwa will be led by Sporting Minister for Sport Jeevan Kumaratunga. These two rallies will be participated by schoolchildren, postmen, papermen, lottery sellers, vendors and well-wishers. They will cycle through Negombo Road, New Kelani Bridge, Danister de Silva Mawatha, Dudley Senanayaka Mawatha, Horton Place and finish at Viharamahadevi Park. The Rally from Moratuwa will peddle along Galle Road to Kollupitiya and via Horton Place will arrive at Viharamahadevi Park. The Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force too will participate in this rally while the Police will give their assistance in controlling the traffic to make this event a success without inconveniencing the other road users on this day. The Interim Committee for Cycling and Mountain Biking Association have made arrangements to hold events for Standard Bikes and a racing event for Elite riders on this day. The Mountain Biking Association will conduct six events on an artificial track laid at Viharamahadevi Park to keep the spectators and the general public entertained with these sporting events said Amal Suriyage, President of the Mountain Biking Association addressing the media conference. He also disclosed that participating vendors will be given a dole of Rs. 200 as they are liable to lose their day's earnings. In the meantime they will be given the opportunity to make their sales at the park on this day. In addiction there will be many other sales outlets put out for the benefit of the general public. Standard riders are to peddle 10 laps around the Park while the riders in the Elite class have ride the 1.9 kilometre circuit 15 times. The winners of these and Mountain Biking events are to receive gold, silver, bronze medal in addition to cash awards and other gift packs. Winners of under-13 and 16 event will not be awarded with a cash. Entries which appear on ANCL publications are accepted till 10.00 a.m. on November 7. |
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