Race the Pearl concludes with new cycling record

Race the Pearl, the 24-hour ultra-endurance cycling challenge, concluded its second edition recently with a cycling event for kids in Point Pedro, Jaffna.

Held on 13 September, this edition of Race the Pearl saw the participation of 30 cyclists from all walks of life and even set a new record of completing the race in under 24 hours. The 600km cycling race from Dondra Head to Point Pedro pushed all mental and physical limits of its participants, who endured sun, rain and wind to achieve this extraordinary feat.

Setting a new record by completing the ride in 23 hours, 49 minutes and 20 seconds, Francois Comptdaer was awarded winner of the second edition of Race the Pearl. The previous record of 26 hours, 38 minutes and 51 seconds was held by Spinner – Cycling Lifestyle Centre founder Yasas Hewage and Rajan Thanayanayagam. 

Coming in a close second place for the 24 hour challenge was Geeth Samarasuriya at 23 hours, 49 minutes and 24 seconds, whereas Denis Craisser and Mithun Liyanage were placed third with an equal time of 23 hours, 52 minutes and 25 seconds. Additionally, Race the Pearl’s 48 challenge saw incredible feats from winner Praveen Piyadasa with a time of 36 hours, 10 minutes and 45 seconds, along with runner-up Luke Perera who held a time of 36 hours, 37 minutes and 20 seconds. 

This year’s event was memorable for several reasons. The number of participants increased from 12 in its first edition to 30 cyclists this time around, with the youngest rider being 17 years old and the oldest 71 years. This year also marked the participation of its first female athlete. The ultimate aim of the Race The Pearl is three-fold: To put Sri Lanka on the world map of ultra-endurance cycling events among the likes of ‘Race Across America’ and build its reputation as a world-class cycling event in the Indian Ocean, to encourage all Sri Lankans from the south to the north to engage with the race and be inspired to become active, healthy and competitive; and to contribute funds to donate wheelchairs for children with Cerebral Palsy.

Spreading the message of unity in diversity from Dondra Head to Point Pedro, Race the Pearl was organised by Spinner – Cycling Lifestyle Centre as a continuation of the work done over the last 10 years to promote cycling among Sri Lankans. The event’s sponsors and partners include Jetwing Hotels, Honda Motorcycles, Red Bull, Capital Alliance and WrooM Cycling Club.