The Lanka Ride Cycling Tour, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, officially commenced today (16) at 9.00 a.m. from in front of the Lake House premises in Colombo, with the first day concluding in Kandy.
The ceremonial flag-off was graced by Minister of Transport and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, Secretary to the Ministry Aruna Bandara, Director General of the Department of Sports Development S. Achchudan, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Also present were Lake House Chairman Gamini Warusamana, Editorial Director Sisira Yapa, senior Lake House officials, and heads of the Army, Air Force, and Police.
On Day One, the cyclists traveled from Colombo to Kandy. The second day, scheduled for tomorrow, will begin in Kandy and end in Anuradhapura, while the final leg on the 18th will see the riders return from Anuradhapura to Colombo.
A total of 27 teams are competing in the Lanka Ride Cycling Tour, with riders officially registered prior to the start of the event.
At the conclusion of today’s first stage in Kandy, five prizes were awarded.
- H.W.M.S. Pinthu (Bib No. 193) claimed first place, completing the stage in 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 41 seconds.
- A.D.S. Perera (Bib No. 195) secured second place.
Both cyclists represent the Sri Lanka Army team. - Deshan Kavinda of the Ja-Ela Flash team (Bib No. 82) finished third.
- Suranga Ranawira (Bib No. 142) placed fourth, while
- Sithum Poorna (Bib No. 33) claimed fifth place.
The Lanka Ride Cycling Tour continues to showcase endurance, teamwork, and national sporting spirit as it progresses through the country.
