Deyata Kirula Cycle Tour:

Army’s Sisira Kumara wins first stage

Anuradha ABEYSEKARA

Sri Lanka Army dominated the first stage of the ‘Deyata Kirula’ cycle race which concluded its first stage at Nawalapitiya yesterday. The race ended in a tight finish as the first three riders crossed the finish line in a bunch clocking 3 hours 54 minutes 46 seconds. Sri Lanka Army’s Asela Sisira Kumara and Gayan Kumara won the first and second places while SL Navy’s Sarath Kumara became the third on the opening day. The race commenced in front of Galle Face Green, Colombo in the morning after receiving the starting orders from Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa flags off first stage of the race yesterday. Also in the picture is Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyabalapitiya. Picture by Chaminda Hitthatiya

The race proceeded through Kadawatha, Warakapola, Kegalle, Kadugannawa, Peradeniya, Gampola and reached Nawalapitiya in the afternoon covering a distance of 146.1 kms. Altogether 104 elite riders faced the starters orders. The points collected by the riders are calculated for the national rankings.

Sri Lanka Cycling Federation is conducting the race as a part of the ‘Deyata Kirula 2011’ exhibition. The 410.4 km distance race will be carried out in three stages and the second and final stages will be worked off on February 2 and 3 respectively. On the second day the race will start from Nawalapitiya, continue through Ginigathhena, Kitulgala, Ruwanwella, Awissawella, Eheliyagoda, Kuruwita and will reach Ratnapura completing 124.9 kms.

The third and final stage will commence from Pelmadulla and riders will pass through Balangoda, Belihuloya, Beragala, Koslanda, Wellawaya and will mark its finish at Buttala, covering 139.4 kms.

Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyabalapitiya, Cycling Federation officials and a large number of Security Forces personnel were present at the starting ceremony.