A cycling race called Race the Pearl, covering some 600 kilometres from north to south of Sri Lanka over a time of 24 hours is set to be flagged off on November 5 from Point Pedro in Jaffna to end at Dondra Head in Matara.
Organisers say six internationally renowned racing cyclists from the USA, Britain and France will take part in the event joining 50 local riders in the event that is billed to showcase and promote Sri Lanka as a location for cycling tourism.
“This is a passionate cycle race and I cannot think of any other island in the world that has a race from north to south. We have everything what it takes to make it a success,” said race organizer Yasas Hewage who hopes that Race the Pearl will inspire more people to take to cycling.
The event has been branded the “most epic, exotic, exhilarating ultra endurance race” in the Indian ocean.
In the race 10 riders will ride solo while over 40 other riders will move out to pedal in relay stages with several pit stops along the way.
Beginning from Point Pedro the route will consist of five stages before it reaches the finishing point at the southern tip of Sri Lanka and the race according to promoters 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.
Hewage said that one rider from the USA, three from Britain and two from Sri Lanka 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 Race the Pearl as relay participants. They will race in phases and in different groups or as individuals, through the course of 24 hours,” said Hewage.
The organisers will provide a ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ white 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 cut-off time of 30 hours are guaranteed with a blue 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 down-hills, sun and rain as well as possible elephant encounters while pushing through the final part of the race in the night.
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.
It has been endorsed and supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, which expects to promote Sri Lanka to the world through a cycling experience.
Over the years, Race the Pearl had cyclists participate from the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, France and a growing participation from Sri Lanka.
“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,” said Hewage.
Race the Pearl has partners to promote the race internationally with MAS Kreeda providing the rider jersey and local products with international reach including the balm Sidddalepa pain relief spray being a part of the event.