Chamod overall winner of Tour de Air Force

By Susil Premalal

Upcoming elite cyclist Chamod de Silva of Police Cycling Club emerged as the overall champion of the 26th Tour de Air Force three-day cycling race, which concluded at the Galle Face Green in Colombo yesterday.

Chamod pocketed the winner’s prize of LKR 350,000, finishing the total distance of 414km with a timing of 9:13.52s.

This event was conducted for the 26th consecutive year and coincided with the 74th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Veteran rider Sandaruwan Pinto of Army SC had to settle for second place overall, finishing the race in 9:13.58s.

Harindu Meemange of Army SC finished third overall with a time of 9:15.21s. 167 riders participated in the Tour de Air Force cycling race.

Meanwhile, the Men’s Team Championship was won by the Army Cycling Club. Air Force Cycling Club were placed second, and Navy Cycling Club clinched the third position.

The first stage from Weerawila to Ratnapura was won by Suresh Prasanga of Navy SC (2:51.58s), the second stage from Ratnapura to Kandy was won by Chamod de Silva of Police SC (3:01.58s), and the third and final stage from Kandy to Colombo was won by Saranga Perera of Army SC (3:18.48s).