By Sandun Kodithuwakku

Sajith Hasantha from Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) secured the first place in the second stage of the SLT Speedup Cycle Sawariya worked off from Matara to Balangoda on Wednesday (5).

Hasantha finished the distance of 160km in four hours 13 minutes and 13 seconds.

Krishan Madusanka from Sri Lanka Navy was placed second and Amith Udayakumara from Stefanelli Pilippo Lanka (STPI) finished third in this stage.

The riders proceeded through Dikwella, Middeniya, Embilipitiya, Kahawatta, Pelmadulla and reached Balangoda before 1.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Janaka Hemantha of Navy SC took the lead in the overall contest with a time of 7.40.58s, followed by Avishka Umayanga of Police (7.41.09s) and Sonal de Silva of SLPA (7.41.10s).

The third-stage of the race will begin today (6) at 9.00 a.m. from opposite the Ibulpe Bridge, Balangoda.

The third stage will see the race moving to the historical city of Mahiyangana covering a distance of 130.8km.

Results: 1. Sajith Hasantha (SLPA) 4.13.13s, 2. Krishan Madusanka (Navy) 4.13.20s, 3. Amith Udayakumara (STPI) 4.13.23s, 4. Janaka Hemantha (Navy) 4.13.33s, 5. Pasindu Lakshan (Navy) 4.13.44s, 6. Avishka Umayanga (Police) 4.13.46s, 7. Sudeera Nilanga (Police) 4.13.52s, 8. Suresh Tharanga (Police) 4.13.52s, 9. Darshana Prashad (Navy) 4.13.52s, 10. Viran Ramesh (SLPA) 4.13.52s.

Overall leader: 1. Janaka Hemantha (Navy) 7.40.58s, 2. Avishka Umayanga (Police) 7.41.09s, 3. Sonal de Silva (SLPA) 7.41.10s.