Army’s Sandaruwan wins men’s cycling race at 46th National Sports Festival

The top three finishers (from left) Suranga Ranaweera, Tharindu Sandaruwan and Thushan Rajapaksa

By Susil Premalal - Reporting from Kataragama

Army rider 24-year-old Tharindu Sandaruwan won the men’s cycling race at the 46th National Sports Festival held from Kataragama to Lunugamwehera yesterday.

Organised by the Sports Ministry and sponsored by Nestle Lanka Limited’s Nestomalt brand, the race covered a distance of 158.8 kilometres.

The race commenced at 6.30 a.m. near the Kataragama bus stand and proceeded to Lunugamwehera and back four times.

Sandaruwan completed the race in a winning time of 3 hours 40 minutes 34 seconds. M.C.M. Suranga from Dehiwela finished in second place clocking 3:40:35 followed by Army’s Thushan Rajapakse 3:40:42.
The riders went at a pace of 43 kmph during the race, according to Upul Chandana, President of the Sri Lanka Cycling Officials Association. This speed produced a high standard of competition, he added.

Sandaruwan said he was able to lead the race from start to finish. This is the first time he won at national level. His aim is to represent the country at international meets and bring glory.

M.C.M. Chathura Madushan and Suranga Ranaweera were adjudged sprint winners.