Cycling for a cause, from Chilaw to Colombo

By Marianne David

On 18 October, a determined group of cyclists numbering around 80 set off from Chilaw at 5 a.m. and made their way to Colombo with a clear and urgent message: every voice matters and every life counts.

The C2C (Chilaw to Colombo) ride, organised by Adrenaline Rush in partnership with the Indira Cancer Trust, the Roshan Mahanama Trust, Team Road Warriors, the Lions Club of Mattumagala, the Leo Club of Catamaran, and the Leo District and Lions Club of District 306 D3, sought to raise awareness about breast cancer, highlight the importance of early detection, and stand in solidarity with those affected by the disease.

More than about covering kilometres

For the participants, the ride was about more than covering kilometres; it was a collective act of advocacy, bringing together cyclists, community organisations, and cancer-support groups in support of a shared cause.

By combining physical endurance with a public health message, C2C aimed to encourage conversations about breast cancer screening and early intervention while offering support to patients, survivors, and their families.

The collaboration between sporting groups and charitable organisations also highlighted the role community-driven initiatives can play in raising awareness and encouraging people to take proactive steps towards their health.

As the cyclists made their way towards Colombo, every kilometre carried the same message: awareness matters, early detection saves lives, and no one should have to face cancer alone.

The race, the riders, and the challenges

The C2C ride was driven by a cause, but it was also a race that tested the endurance, discipline, and determination of its participants.

It began at 5 a.m. and the cyclists set off with short intervals between each team. Some completed the journey in two hours, while others took around four, navigating traffic, unexpected dog crossings, and the increasingly difficult approach to Colombo.

The final stretch had proved particularly challenging, with traffic congestion from Peliyagoda onwards making the journey into the city especially demanding.

A significant achievement

Despite the obstacles, the event successfully brought together 21 teams, including some of Sri Lanka’s leading cyclists.

Speaking to Pulse Line, Saman Perera, representing Strava, said the participation of many teams was a significant achievement, particularly given the event’s breast cancer awareness objective.

While raising awareness remained central to the initiative, Perera acknowledged that the competitive element was equally important. He added that the event featured leading riders, such as Avishka Madonza and Chamod de Silva, emphasising the event’s sporting significance.

Perera also expressed satisfaction with the event and added that he was promoting the event in Dubai as well, emphasising the importance of using cycling to support good causes beyond Sri Lanka.

A passion that endures

For Wasantha Mihirabandara, cycling is more than a competitive pursuit. It is a way of life that he has embraced for over three decades.

Sitting down for a conversation with Pulse Line, Mihirabandara reflected on the challenges facing cyclists in Sri Lanka, particularly the lack of opportunities for local riders to gain experience through organised tours and international competition.

“There are good cyclists in Sri Lanka, but nowadays there are barely any tours for our cyclists to gain experience,” he said, noting that opportunities were largely limited to a handful of events within the country.

The financial burden of the sport is another major obstacle. A good bicycle can cost several million rupees, while a single tyre can run into many thousands. For aspiring cyclists, such expenses can place the sport beyond reach, particularly in the absence of adequate support.

His cycling companion, Jithendra Gamage, echoed these concerns, calling for a reduction in taxes on bicycle components to make the sport more accessible.

Yet, after more than 30 years on the road, the joy of cycling remains undiminished for Mihirabandara. He recalled frequent rides with his cycling companions to Kataragama, travelling via Ratnapura and Udawalawe – journeys that reflect both the physical demands of the sport and the camaraderie that keeps riders returning to the road.

But his enthusiasm is tempered by concern about the future of cycling in Sri Lanka. “There is a lot of talent, but there is a lack of support.”

Mihirabandara’s own experience offers a glimpse of what structured support can achieve. In 1997, he was part of the German Lanka team, which he recalled as having provided excellent training opportunities.

Today, however, he believes that problems surrounding the administration of cycling have contributed to the sport’s struggles. Without stronger institutional support, better training opportunities, and a clearer development pathway, promising local riders risk missing out on the experience needed to compete at higher levels.

How cycling stands apart

For Mihirabandara, cycling stands apart because of the demands it places on those who pursue it.

“It’s the hardest sport,” he said, explaining that unlike other sports which have dedicated courts, grounds, or tracks, road cycling takes riders across a constantly changing environment. They must contend with traffic, road conditions, distance, and the unpredictability of the open road, all while maintaining the fitness and discipline required to compete.

“There is no set place or track. We ride all over,” he explained, adding that cyclists are among the fittest and healthiest athletes.

More than a race

The C2C ride brought two dimensions of cycling into focus: the power of the sport to unite people behind a cause and the challenges faced by those who dedicate themselves to it.

For the teams that took part, the journey from Chilaw to Colombo was an opportunity to compete while contributing to a broader message about breast cancer awareness and early detection.

For experienced riders such as Mihirabandara and Gamage, it was also a reminder of the work still needed to strengthen cycling in Sri Lanka.

Every kilometre ridden for awareness carries a message and every opportunity given to a young cyclist could help uncover the next generation of talent.

Celebrating dedication to a cause that matters

As the cyclists finally rolled into the Colombo Colts Cricket Club, where the awareness raising initiative culminated, they were welcomed by Adrenaline Rush with a hearty breakfast and an award ceremony celebrating their dedication, determination, and contribution to a cause that matters.

Congratulations to Adrenaline Rush and all the partners and sponsors involved for organising an event that went beyond the finish line, bringing people together to raise awareness about breast cancer.