The Sri Lanka Air Force has made arrangements to hold the 24th Tour de Air Force (Sri Lanka) 2023 Cycling Race from Colombo to Anuradhapura on March 2, 3 and 4. The main sponsor of the event is Nippon Paint Lanka Pvt. Ltd.

The Tour de Air Force Sri Lanka Cycling Race which is organized to coincide with the 72nd anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka Air Force consists of three stages and covers a total distance of 408 kms.

Nearly 200 racing riders registered with the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) are expected to participate. Applications will be received upto February 27.

This cycling race will start on March 2 in front of Colombo Air Force Headquarters to Kandy in the first stage (123kms) and Stage 2 will end on March 3 from Pallekelle to Polonnaruwa (154kms) and the third and final stage will be on March 4 from Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura (131kms).

The Tour de Air Force cycling race will be held in both men and women's divisions. The women's event will be limited to one day only on March 4 from Habarana to Anuradhapura (84kms).

A handsome cash package of 2.5 mi;;ion rupees will be awarded for both men and women winners.

The winner of the men's category will be awarded Rs. 400,000/-, the runner-up Rs. 250,000/- and the second runner-up Rs. 150,000/-. In addition, Sri Lanka Air Force has made arrangements to award cash prizes to the fourth to 25th positions.

The winner of the women's race will receive Rs. 100,000/-, runner-up Rs. 75,000/- and second runner-up Rs. 50,000/-.

This was revealed at a press conference held today at Colombo Air Force Headquarters under the leadership of Air Vice Marshall L.H. Sumanaweera, Chairman Cycling Union Sri Lanka Air Force.

Caption:
Nemantha Abeysinghe, General Manager Nippon Paint Lanka Pvt. handling over the main sponsorship to Air Vice Marshal L.H. Sumanaweera. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel / Text By Susil Premalal