Cyclists from US and UK takes the Challenge at ‘Race The Pearl’
Covers 600 kms within 24 hours; is international qualifier for Race Across America
Fifth edition of ‘Race The Pearl’ to promote Cycling Tourism in Sri Lanka
The fifth edition of ‘Race The Pearl’, a 24- hour race that covers the entire length 600 kilometres of Sri Lanka from bottom to top, will take place on the 5th of November, 2022. Setting off from Point of Pedro in the south, ‘Race The Pearl’ will see six international cyclists, one from the United States of America, three from Great Britain one French and two Sri Lankans, lead th challenge of covering the distance, with over 50 more participants expected to join teams and in, relay-style.
Beginning from Point Pedro , the route will consist five stages before it reaches the
finishing point in Dondra Head , The Southern tip of Sri Lanka.
Significantly, ‘Race The Pearl’ has been included as a qualifier for the upcoming
RAAM (Race Across America), a globally renowned ultra-distance road cycling race
that covers over 4,800 kilometres of the USA from west coach to east coast. ‘Race
The Pearl’ is one of many high-octane mini ultra-distance road cycling races RAAM
organisers have found as a fitting event to name as a qualifier besides many other
races, which covers similar distances as the local event.
According to the Race Director and Organiser of ‘Race The Pearl’ Yasas Hewage, the
six riders – one from the USA, two Sri Lankans and the three British – will cycle from
start to finish without a break as they are in pursuit of earning qualification points for
the RAAM.
“Other cyclists, perhaps 50 or more, will join the ‘Race The Pearl’ as relay
participants. They will race in phases and in different groups or as
individuals, through the course of 24 hours,” revealed Hewage.
The organisers will provide a ‘Visit Sri Lanka – White Rider Jersey to all registered
participants prior to race day, but what follows depends on the achievements of the
competitors. All those who complete the race within the cutoff time of 30 hours are
guaranteed with a Finisher T-shirt, and all competitors who reach the finishing line
within the race time (24 hours) will receive a medal of grit. The 24-hour Solo and 24-
hour Team Race athletes are eligible to earn the prestigious Pearl Jersey by beating
the race time, which is considered the ultimate achievement by the organisers.
During the course, the riders are set to endure the challenges of head winds of
Elephant Pass, the elevation of Laggala, exciting downhills, sun and rain as well as
possible elephant encounters while pushing through the final part of the race in the
night. The ‘Race The Pearl’ will be an unforgettable experience to all riders, mainly
from overseas, who are guaranteed of diverse natural terrains and riding textures in
this island nation.
‘Race The Pearl’ is organised by Spinner Cycling, the organising and mechanical
partner of Ironman 70.3 Colombo and ‘Around The Pearl in 10 Days’, another similar
cycling experience. ‘Race The Pearl’ is endorsed and supported by the Sri Lanka
Tourism Promotions Bureau, which expects to farther their #VisitSri
Lankcampaign to the world through cycling experience. Over the years, ‘Race
The Pearl’ has had cyclists participate from the United Kingdom, USA, Australia,
Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, France and a growing participation from Sri Lanka.
Hewage added: “The Ironman 70.3 franchise brought a US$3million economic
impact within a week setting the benchmark for sports tourism and through ‘Race the
Pearl’ expectations are afoot to build the segment of ‘Race Vacation’ as part of
promoting ‘Cycling Tourism’ in Sri Lanka.”
‘Race the Pearl’, an authentic Sri Lankan event has partners to promote the race
internationally, with MAS Kreeda providingthe rider jersey, and local products with
international reach including ‘Samahan Swastha Amurthaya’ and ‘Sidddalepa Pain
Relief Spray’ being a part of the event. ‘Race The Pearl’ also supports the Micro and
SME sectors with over 200 room nights along the route as well as food and beverage
purchases in partnership with ‘Genie’. Pulse comes forward as the Digital
Partner and Yes FM will be the Radio Partner.
‘Race The Pearl’ can be followed on www.racethepearl.com on Facebook
and Instagram.
- Photo caption as follows:
- Left -Right:
- Former Team Relay Rider, Race The Pearl, Jonquil Nichol
- Relay Rider, Race The Pearl, Naleer Mohomad
- Race Organizer/Finisher, Race The Pearl, Yasas Hewage
- Director Events, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Prasad Daluwatta
- Chairman/CEO, Antiquity, Sanjaya Dahanaggamaarachchi