This 4X4 Triathlon sporting event comprised of Cycling (Mountain Biking), Kayaking and Jeep Trail driving which was the first event of its kind held in Sri Lanka and also a probable World Premier, testing the limits of endurance of even the most accomplished athlete.
Each team, which comprised of two competitors (driver & navigator) started off with the Cycling stage on a timing basis. The track specifically designed for the event simulated typical mountain biking terrain encountered in such trails. Ditch crossing, humps, gravel areas were some of the obstacles laid out. Chanaka Wickramasuriya & Deshan De Silva were some of the prominent riders who had the edge over the others at this stage.
Completing the Cycling stage was a must to qualify for the next stage - Kayaking which was a race against time and against the strong wind. Here too the competitors had to take on the grueling task of paddling a two-man kayak; each team member had to synchronies their own strokes to keep the kayak in a straight line. Highlight here was that the mother & son combination, Mrs. Kalyani Hertogs and Master Yannik Hertogs did reasonably well in keeping up with the best in the stage - Chanaka Wickramasuriya & Devaka Senevirathne
All those who successfully completed the Kayaking stage had to then clear the most challenging and the toughest hurdle of the competition- the Jeep Trail. Here, each team was provided with "Trail Rated" brand new Jeep Wrangler 4.0L SUV's courtesy of Dimo.
Unlike the regular 4X4 events, the organisers made special efforts in designing a challenging off road track consisting of uphill climbs, dips, bunny hops, zigzag bends, elbow bends, ruts & ditches, mud etc. with the view of testing the skills & patience of both the Driver and Co driver. Here, it was mandatory that the co - driver had to hold a 2 liter bowl of water right through out the excursion with out spilling a single drop whilst the driver's challenge was to carefully conquer the obstacle course. In addition to the amount of water retained in the bowl at the end of the Jeep Trail, points were also allocated according to their performance/ driving style through the trails.
It was also pleasant to note that prominent motor racing specialists with the likes of Aravinda Premadasa, Bri Ponnambalam, Feroz Omar, Nishan Wasalathanthri, Rizvi Farouk, Rohan de Silva, Mario Dias, Shafraz Junaid found this type of event a challenge to them. The organisers were indeed privileged to have their participation in such events where they show cased the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Themiya Abeywickrama, Tyrell Senanayake, Dilakshan Ratwatta, Saranga Goonawardana, Deepthi Perera all hard core off road specialists from the FWDC indeed were given a tough challenge by the motor racing experts and found the going not easy with novices showing them certain ropes of the trade
In addition to the overall winners, in recognition of the competitor's crowd entertaining efforts, organisers made special arrangements to appreciate their performances by awarding winners for each stage;
Winner - Cycling Stage
Mr. Chanaka Wickramasuriya & Mr. Devaka Senevirathne
Winner - Kayaking Stage
Mr. Chanaka Wickramasuriya & Mr. Devaka Senevirathne
Winner - Jeep Trail
Mr. Rizvi Farouk & Mr. Sanath Fernando
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