Mountain biking rocks Tissamaharama

Bernard PERERA in Tissamaharama

MOUNTAIN BIKING: The first ever Mountain Biking Cycle Cross as part of the Tharunyata Hetak Programme which commenced yesterday was held at the newly constructed Ceylon Auto Drome.

The highlight of the day was the large participation of Mountain Biking riders from all parts of the country.

The event which was organised by the Tharunyata Hetak Foundation and conducted by the Mountain Biking Association of Sri Lanka A total of nine events were worked off within the stipulated time.

Young Riders from schools in the Hambantota competed along with riders from other parts of the country. The biggest attraction was the event for under 16 which had a start line packed with over 100 riders.

This has to be the first occasion that a Mountain Biking event attracted so many riders. This was an exiting event for all spectators who gathered to witness this spectacular event.

Manoj Prasanna and N. Chathuranga who travelled all the way from Negombo were the winner and runner up in the under 16 event.

These two riders were closely followed by K. A. Sisira Nuwan a rider also from the Gampaha District.

The race which got off to a mass start such few riders have mishaps few meteres away from the start line. This was mainly due to the competitiveness of the race. The riders were always seen in a bunch till the second lop when the tree top riders broke off the bunch and went ahead.

Though they were in front, they had to undergo stiff opposition until the finish of the race.

The biggest event for the race the open event for over 19 years attracted all the leading cyclists from the country.

It was a big battle between three top riders. First it was Daan Nugera who was in front for nearly two laps.

Nugera who is still an under 19 rider decided to compete in the open event giving an opportunity for a new rider to win the under 10 age group. Amal Suranga, Nuwan Chinthaka and K.G.A. Priyantha Jayalal got past the race leader Nugera in the third lap.

They kept on increasing the lead changing positions at regular intervals.

The last seven laps saw a real ding dong brittle and finally it was Amal Suranga from Air Force and Sri Lanka Army’s Nuwan Chinthaka.

Thousands of Southern spectators who gathered to watch this amazing event got the chance to cheer when K. G. A. Priyantha from Tissamaharama was placed their in this race riding against the top riders in the country.

Results

Under - 10 Boys. 1. Pasindu Prasad, 2. V. A. Ishara Dilshani, 3. D. Hasanka Lakshani.

Girls - H. G. Shashanee Lakshani

Under 13 Boys, 1. M. A. Manoj, 2. N. C. Kamalananda, 3. Sisira Nishan.

Girls - 1. L. P. Malsha Jayathri, 2. K. G. S. Madumali, 3. K. G. T. Sandaruwani.

Under 16 Boys - 1. Manoj Prasanna, 2. N. Chathuranga, K. A. Sisira Nuwan.

Girls - 1. Hasanthi Udayangi, 2. N. G. Malki, N. A. Milani Irangi.

Under 19 Boys - 1. M. A. Nuwan Ruchira, 2. R. P. Sameera Chathuranga 3. N. Chathuranga

Girls - 1. Dineshi, 2. Dineshi Charmali.

Open event - 1. Amal Siranga, 2, Nuwan Chinthaka, 3. K. G. A. Priyantha Jayalal.