Air Force cycle tour on 27-28

BERNARD PERERA

Sri Lanka Air Force which celebrates its 58th anniversary will hold the tenth annual cycle tour as part of its celebrations, said Air Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke addressing the media yesterday at Air Force headquarters.

The event will be conducted by the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka and sponsored by Singer Sri Lanka Ltd for the first time. The event popularly known as the Guwan Hamuda Papedi Savariya will commence on March 27 from opposite Air Fore headquarters and will conclude on the following day with riders finishing at the same place.

Air Force chief further said that this year’s event will cover a distance of nearly 400 kms. All licensed elite riders have confirmed their participation at this year’s event.

The riders who commence their ride from Colombo will ride up to Maharagama in a bunch as a peace run. The race proper is to commence from Maharagama and the riders will pedal their way to Pelmadulla to complete the first stage on day one. After a short break they will proceed to Bandarawela to complete day one ride covering a distance of 210 kms.

The second stage is to commence from Nuwara Eliya at 11 a.m. The riders will be transported to Nuwara Eliya in the morning of the race. The riders who face the start on the second day will come down hills to reach Colombo in the evening. They are expected ride for nearly 183 kms.

Nishantha Piyasena, Secretary, Cycling Federation said that this will be an event where elite riders are facing a unique experience as it will be the first time they ride through all kinds of ups and downs. The experience they gain with this will be of vital importance for them when competing at international event out of the country.

Cash awards amounting to Rs. 300,000 will be distributed among the top ten riders with first, second and third receiving 100,000, 75,000 and 50,000 respectively. There will also be special awards for sprints, hill climbs and for teams. Air Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke will be the chief guest on the final day and will give away the awards.

The event will come to an end with the musical show organised by Sri Lanka Air Force.

Kumar Samarasinghe, Director, Sales and Waruna Gamage Asst. Marketing Manager, Singer Sri Lanka Ltd attended the press briefing to represent the sponsors.