Meemanage wins second gold at SAG

The ACE Rider C. P. Meemanage Perera won his second gold medal in the 186 km road race (men) in the Cycling event at the 10th SA Games yesterday. His first gold was in the men?s time trial on August 21.

The versatile rider Meemanage started off opposite Galle Face Green along with other competitors around 7.30 a.m. The riders were in a bunch at the turn around at Negombo from Wattala up to Giriulla. However he enjoyed a lead over from the rest of the bunch and broke away nearing Kandana and maintained the lead to the finish opposite Galle Face Green.

He covered the 186 km road race in a time of 4 hours 21.48 mnts. Another Sri Lankan rider Upul Lokuge finished second 4:21:48 mts and Pakistan rider came in third 4:22:39 mnts.

Lankan Cyclists won the gold and silver. The gold tally rose to four in Cycling for Sri Lanka after men?s race.

Meemanage said that he along with other local riders practised on the 186 km route on three occasions, but had been preparing for the event for the past several months.

He further commented since his taking part up to competitive cycling his ambition was to win gold medals at the SAG which is the premier and most recognised cycling event held in the country.