Carlton Super Sports 2012:

Mountain biking the highlight

Anuradha Abeysekera

When the sixth edition of the Carlton Super Sports stage in Hambantota takes place from January 27 to 29, mountain biking will come to the spotlight as the National Mountain Biking Association (NMBA) in collaboration with Tharunyata Hetak organization has made arrangements to conduct 11 mountain bike competitions on the opening day of the mega sports event at the Ceylon Autodrome Track in Debarawewa.

Mountain Biking was included in the inaugural Carlton event in 2006 and has developed to be a major attraction throughout the event’s history. Over 400 cyclists took part in the previous year’s Mountain Biking Cyclo Cross and more than 500 participants are expected to take part this year.

Age category events for boys and girls from U-10 to U-19, Masters’ event for over-40 men and Open men and women events are on card.

Nearly 1.5 km track has been arranged with ample spectator area’s will include seven or more obstacles, suitable for the respective age category events.

The Open event will be the toughest of all. International and National Commissars belong to the ‘Jury of Commissars’ of the Cycle Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) will handle the events on par with international standard.

Mountain Biking Cyclo Cross is expected to attract highest number of school participants in Carlton Super Sports 2012.

An impressive Rs. 500,000 cash prizes are on offer for the cycling events. Spot entries also can be made before 6 pm on January 26 at the track.

National Mountain Biking Association President Amal Suriyage thanked Carlton Sport for their continuous support to develop the sport throughout the years. “There was a time when a large number of cyclists participated in events without helmets, riding jerseys and suitable geared bikes.

Our association provided helmets and riding clothes in early versions of the Carlton event. We are always willing to help those who step into the sport, specially rural talent.

With the increased popularity of the sport we have standardized this year’s events with all appropriate requirements. Our aim is to showcase a high standard event,” said Suriyage.

He further emphasized that the events of this magnitude will greatly help to bring this sport to rural areas and invited all registered clubs under the CFSL to participate in the Open events.

Sri Lanka’s natural landscape is highly appropriate for this sport and mountain biking will be an ideal sport for both young and old, concerned of a healthy lifestyle in the future.

As an adventure-power sport it will help to mould character with perseverance.

Information about Carlton Super Sport Mountain Biking Cyclo Cross can be gathered from Patrick - 0777881655, Suresh - 0755250250 and NMBA - 0112691505.