Tangalle cycle tour today

To mark President's one year in office:

Bernard PERERA

CYCLING: The open cycle race organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in association with the Sri Lanka Cycle Federation and Hambantota District Presidential Co-ordinating Unit as part of the celebrations to mark the first anniversary of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Presidency will begin today.

The race which will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Cycle Federation headed by DIG, K.P.P. Pathirana, will be sponsored by Dialog Telekom. The first stage is scheduled to commence at 7.30 a.m. today opposite Temple Trees, the residence of President Rajapaksa.

The open race for racing cycle riders will proceed along Galle Road as a bunch to pose as a peace ride up to Moratuwa. The race proper gets under way from Moratuwa under the patronage of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jeewan Kumaranatunga.

The event will be conducted according to the International rules applicable to racing cycle events. The riders participating in the open racing event will peddle through Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Galle, Matara and proceed to Tangalle to finish the first stage of the event.

The second stage is to commence from Tangalle on Nov. 19 and the riders will receive the chequered flag at Weerawila.

The second day also see the women's event commence from Tangalle and the woman riders too will finish the race at Weerawila Air Force Base. The events are to be flagged off opposite Carlton House.

The overall winner is to receive Rs. 75,000 while the two runners-up are to receive Rs. 50,000 and 35,000 respectively. There will also be special team awards for team that finishes with the minimum time at different stages.

On the final day President Mahinda Rajapakse will be the chief guest and will give away the main awards to winners of the open cycle event.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jeewan Kumaranatunga will give away the awards to winners on the first day. The organisers have made arrangements to conduct a musical show on the first day at the Rajapaksa Stadium in Tangalle.