SLAF Cyclist Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) Namarathna SR won the Men’s Solo event of ‘6th Race the Pearl’ International Ultra High Endurance Cycling Race conducted by Spinner Cycling on 28 October 2023 from Point Pedro to Dickwella. LAC Namarathna also set a new record by finishing the event within 19 hours 22 minutes and 36 seconds clocking an average speed of 30.95 kmph.

The Cyclists began the races soon after midnight on 27 October from Point Pedro and rode continuously until the finishing at Dickwella completing a 624 km Ultra High Endurance Cycling event.

Meanwhile, the SLAF’s Men’s Cycling Team that took part in the Men’s Team Relay event won second place slightly behind the Sri Lanka Army Men’s Cycling Team. They had finished the course in 17 hours 43 minutes and 15 seconds.

The “RACE THE PEARL” is an international ultra-high endurance cycling event by Spinner Cycling headed by Mr. Yasas Hewage.  This event is an official qualifier for the prestigious “RACE ACROSS AMERICA” ultra-high endurance cycling race. This race is conducted nonstop from Point Pedro to Dickwella covering a distance of 624 km. The Cyclists from Sri Lanka, UK, USA, India, France, Mexico and Netherlands participated in this year’s event in different categories.

Spinner Cycling, the organizers of the event has invited the SLAF to take part in the event for the first time. The SLAF participated in the Men’s Team Relay and Men’s Solo events.The SLAF’s MEN’s Relay Team completed the relay as follows;

Corporal Nugera DS (Point Pedro to Vavuniya – 144 km)
Wing Commander HMRK Perera (Vavuniya to Dambulla- 106 km)
Leading Aircraftman Gamage HDD (Dambulla to Mahiyanganaya – 111 km)
Leading Aircraftman Jayasinghe SL (Mahiyanganaya to Wellawaya – 118 km)
Leading Aircraftman Dissananayke MN (Wellawaya to Dickwella – 145 km)