by T. Prem Kumar
The Sri Lanka Air Force will celebrate their 51st aniversary this year by hosting a cycling race titled ‘Sirasa Cycle Rally 2002’ on March 2 and 3.

The organizers, Sri Lanka Air Force Cycling Association (SLAFCA), who is conducting this event have combined with the Mountan Bike Association to made the event a success.

Sirasa who are the principal sponsors while the Divaina News Paper plays the role of Co-sponsor for the second consecutive year.

The organisers of the Sirasa Cycle Rally 2002 have mapped the course to read a distance of 362 Km. The SLAFCA have toughen the course for the participants by lengthening the rute to Hingurakgoda.

The race starts from the Air Force Head Quarters (SLAFHQ) at 7.00 a.m. with the riders expected to finish in Hingurakgoda on the same day. On the second day the race will start from the Dambula Stadium.

The SLAFCA committee told ‘The Island’ that each participant has been covered with isurance to the value of Rs. 50,000. They will provide meals and accomandation free of charge from the first day onwards to to the participants and also their suporters. They further added that this is the first time which they are spending ‘big money’ as cash awards with a Rs 227, 500 plus another Rs. 10,000 in their kitty to be distributed for the sprint awads.

Two sprint points have been scheduled in Katunayaka and in Dambulla. The one who passes the sprint point first will be awarded Rs. 5000 cash.

All participants are expected to register themselves at the Sports Ministry before March 2.

Rules -

This rally will be conducted under the National Cycling Committee rules. Participants can take part as indivudual or as a team. In the team event category there should be four riders.

The Track -

On the first day the track has been scheduled from SLAFHQ and will stretch through Maradana, Kalaniya, Kadawate, Nitambuwa, Warakapola, Kagalle, Mawanella, Kadugannawa, Katugastota, Matele, Dambulla, Habarana and will wind up at Hingurakgoda.

On the second day the starting point of the race will be shift to Dambulla with the participants expected to proceed through Gallewala, Kurunegala, Narammala, Giriulla, Pannala, Dankotuwa, Kochchikade, Negombo, Katunayaka, Ja-ella, Wattela, Dematagoda, Borella, Maradana and ends at frount of SLAFHQ.