UAE Cyclist Abdullah Clinches Overall Title at Tour de Air Force

 Action in Tour de Air force mens cycling Event 2026

By Susil Premalal

International cyclist Mohammed Abdullah of the United Arab Emirates emerged Overall Champion of the 27th Tour de Air Force (Sri Lanka) Men’s Cycling Race, concluding near the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

The three-day race, organised in line with the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force, covered a total distance of 428 kilometres from Negombo to Puttalam, onward to Dambulla and back to Colombo.

Abdullah created history by becoming the first foreign cyclist to win the overall title of the Tour de Air Force, outperforming leading national riders representing the tri-forces and Police teams. He completed the race in a total time of 8 hours, 56 minutes and 7 seconds.

Sri Lanka Army cyclist Dinusha Saranga finished second overall with a time of 8:56:15, while Russian rider Sozinv Vladislav secured third place in 8:56:17. Vladislav was also adjudged the Best Upcoming Youth Rider.

The overall team championship in the men’s event was won by the United Arab Emirates team, while Sri Lanka Army finished as runners-up.

In the women’s one-day race held from Meerigama to Colombo over approximately 80 kilometres, Anne Shenali of Friends Cycling Club claimed first place. Dinesha Dilrukshi of the Sri Lanka Air Force finished second, while Sudarika Priyadarshani of Speed Star Cycling Club secured third position.

The Sri Lanka Air Force women’s team won the overall team championship, with the Sri Lanka Navy women’s team finishing as runners-up.