‘Race the Pearl’ 24-hour Cycle race to peddle SL into world recognition
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‘Race the Pearl’, a 24-hour, ultra-endurance Cycling challenge was conducted for the second time in Sri Lanka on September 13, when Cyclists, individually or in teams ride from Dondra Point to Point Pedro in 24 hours.
The aim of Race the Pearl was threefold: To put Sri Lanka on the world map of ultra-endurance Cycling events among the likes of Race Across America, as a world-class Cycling event in the Indian Ocean region; to encourage Lankans, from south to north, to engage with the race and be inspired to become active, healthy and competitive; and to contribute funds to donate wheelchairs to children suffering from Cerebral Palsy.
Ultra-endurance Cycling events, such as the Tour De France held over 21 days for over a century, for elite athletes, have inspired similar events for amateurs such as Ironman and Race Across America, which is a 3,000-mile Cycle race now in its 37th year. Race the Pearl has the potential to build a similar world-class event that will attract the world to Sri Lanka.
From 12 riders in its first edition in 2018, participation increased to 30 riders this year. The youngest rider was 17-year-old and the oldest 71 years. This year also marked the participation of the first female athlete. The event will conclude with a Cycling event for children in Jaffna today, September 15, to celebrate the completion of Race the Pearl.
Race the Pearl started from Dondra Head, a town significant in Buddhist culture and close to the historic Devinuwara Temple, and takes the message of ‘Unity in Diversity’ through a significant number of towns over 600kms, all the way to Point Pedro in Jaffna, the city of the Nallur Kovil and a haven of Hindu culture. The Race route borders multiple wildlife parks that are home to Sri Lanka’s famous leopards, elephants and glamorous peacocks, making it a unique and exotic race experience.
The inaugural Race the Pearl took place on February 4, 2019, coinciding with the 71st National Independence Day, with Yasas Hewage and Rajan Thanayanayagam setting a record, cycling 600km in 26 hours 38 min. and 51 sec. Riders in the second edition will look to break this record.
Race the Pearl is organised by Spinner – Cycling Lifestyle Centre, as a continuation of their work done over the last 10 years to promote cycling among Sri Lankans, including organising ‘Around the Pearl’ in 10 days, and playing a pivotal role in the success of Ironman 70.3 Colombo International Triathlon. The event’s sponsors and partners include Jetwing Hotels, Honda Motorcycles, Red Bull, Capital Alliance and WrooM Cycling Club.