UAE cyclist wins opening stage of Tour de Air Force

Stage one winner Mohammed Alharbi (centre) with second placed Chamod de Silva (left) and third placed Nidush Nirantha

By Susil Premalal

International cyclist Mohammed Alharbi of the United Arab Emirates won the opening stage of the 27th Tour de Air Force men’s race held from Negombo to Puttalam yesterday.

His victory marks the first time in the history of the Tour de Air Force cycling race that a foreign rider has secured a stage win.

The event, conducted by the Cycling Union of the Sri Lanka Air Force, flagged off its first stage opposite the Negombo Beach Park. The 133.4km route passed through Kochchikade, Madampe, Chilaw and Madurankuliya before finishing in Puttalam.

Chamod de Silva and Nidush Nirantha, both representing the Air Force Cycling Club, finished second and third respectively in the opening stage.

The three-stage race covers a total distance of 428 kilometres. The second stage, scheduled for today will cover 143.1km from Puttalam to Dambulla via Karuwalagaswewa, Thalawa and Kekirawa.

The third and final stage will commence on March 1 from Dambulla and conclude near the Air Force headquarters in Colombo after covering 147.7kms via Moragolla, Kurunegala, Meerigama, Miriswatta, Delgoda and Koswatta.

In addition to the men’s competition is scheduled to be held tomorrow from Meerigama to Colombo over a distance of 82.2kms.