Asanga Perera wins first stage

Bernard Perera in Tangalle

Cycling: Asanga Sanjeeva of Sri Lanka Police won the first stage of the Cycle Tour to Tangalle organised by Sports Ministry as part of the celebrations to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa's one year term as President. Sanjeeva was followed by three more riders Pradeep Kumara, Sanjaya Krishantha, K. S. Kumara and Suwaris Premachandra.

The top four riders had the identical time of 4 hrs 27 mts and 39 secs. Suwaris Premachandra clocked 4 hours 29 mts 47 secs.

The race commenced at Colpetty opposite Temple Trees when Minister of Sports flagged off the riders. Riders did a peace parade upto Moratuwa and the race proper commenced sharp at 8.00 am from Moratuwa.

All riders were in a bunch upto Kalutara. Ten cyclists broke off again at Beruwela and kept moving steadily. When the top ten riders reached Galle few more riders joined them. All of them were together till they reached Koggala, and the set break off once again.

Five riders were in front till Dickwella but two had to pull out as one bicycle came up with problem while the other rider left due to a cramp. The others completed the race in front on day one stage two is set to get off the mark too.

Result: 1. Asanga Sanjeeva, Police (4.27.39), 2. Pradeep Kumara, Army (4.27.39), 3. Sanjaya Krishantha, Sri Lanka German (4.27.39), 4. K. S. Kumara, Sri Lanka German (4.27.29), 5. Suwaris Premachandra, Sri Lanka German (4.31 secs).