Cyclo Cross at Tissamaharama

CYCLING: The 2nd Cyclo-Cross of the National Mountain Biking Association (NMBA) in conjunction with Tharunyata Hetak will be staged at the newly built Ceylon Autodrome Circuit at Tissamaharama on September 8. This is being sponsored by singer.

The first Cyclo-Cross in the Southern Province attracted over 700 youngsters from remote schools in Hambantota, and the NMBA will conduct a coaches workshop at the Circuit long before the event. The NMBA with the blessings of the Chairman, Ceylon Autodrome Shacheendra Rajapaksa, built the first Cyclo-Cross track to international standards under the stewardship of Peter Bluck, a British expert.

The Circuit is unique with lush greenery with man made terrain to suit a track for both novices and professionals with 3 km covering muddy pools, tunnels, ramps, climbs and down hills and hope to build a cross country track in the near future.

The schedule of events will start at 8 a.m. with Under-10 mix and then Under-13 boys, Under-13 girls, Under-16 boys, Under-16 girls, Under-19 boys, Under-19 girls, Open Men (sports) with the distance of the Circuit varying from 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, to 20 km. (L.G.).