Army’s Rajapaksa wins Tour de Air Force cycling race

Thushan Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka Army Cycling Club emerged the overall champion of the 24th Tour de Air Force (Sri Lanka) Cycling Race held from Colombo to Anuradhapura via Kandy. 

Rajapaksa pocketed the winner’s prize of LKR 400,000, finishing the total distance of 408 km with a timing of 9:43.31 secs. 

This event was conducted for the 24th consecutive year and coincided with the 72nd anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

2022 champion Avishka Madonza of Sri Lanka Army had to settle for second overall, finishing the race in 9:43.33 hours.

Suranga Ranaweera of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Cycling Club finished third overall (9:43:40).

Over 165 riders participated in the Tour de Air Force Cycling Race. The Team Championship was won by the Sri Lanka Army Cycling Clubs. Sri Lanka Air Force Cycling Club was placed second, and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Cycling Club clinched the third position.

Meanwhile, the Colombo to Kandy Stage 1 was won by Rajapaksha (2:59:58), the Pallekele to Polonnaruwa Stage 2 by Saranga Perera of Army (3:43:06) and the Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura Stage 3 by Pasindu Thisera of Army (2:59:25).

Five riders from the Indian Air Force participated in the race, with Krishana Nayakodi finishing fourth overall in a time of 9:46:14.

Nippon Paint Lanka Pvt. Ltd. was the Principal Sponsor.

Main photo: Overall winner Thushan Rajapksha receiving a cash prize of Rs. 400,000 and trophy from the Chief guest