By Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team)
Senkanda: The Forbidden Forest MTB Challenge returned on the 14th of December, 2024, with its most thrilling edition yet, after setting the stage ablaze in 2022 and breaking new boundaries in 2023. In association with the Kandy Cycling Community, the Cycling Club of Trinity College Kandy hosted the event amid the lush greenery of the Udawaththakele Forest Reserve, popularly called the “Lungs of Kandy.” Hence, with 140 cyclists from all over the island, ranging from budding young enthusiasts to experienced riders, Senkanda ’24 was not merely about competitive cycling; rather, it aggregated full-fledged endurance, teamwork, and the myriad cultural heritage of Kandy.
True to its coveted ethos, the event was once again named after the legendary Senkanda; the figure lauded for his love of adventure. Riders threaded through the lanes of the breathtaking Udawaththakele, enjoying high time trial competition together with nature. Events across all categories, from Under-10 to the Open age category were introduced by Senkanda ’24 for the demonstration of strength, skill, and grit by cyclists of all ages. The event commenced a day ahead with a trial ride meant for participants to familiarize themselves with the rugged terrain and scenic pathways of the forest reserve.
The competition culminated in the crowning of champions across six categories:
Under 10
- Pamojith Weerasinghe – 11.24 mins
- Senuth Randira – 14.50 mins
- Reena Lareef – 16.55 mins
Under 12
- Denith Prematilake – 12.18 mins
- Umar Mohamed Hanas – 12.39 mins
- Kajendran Kavinth Ganesh – 12.42 mins
Under 14
- Sayala Kahandawala – 9.36 mins
- Senuja Tennakoon – 10.18 mins
- Mohamad Shah – 11.24 mins
Under 16
- Vishmika Bandara – 9.01 mins
- Samith Dharmasena – 9.02 mins
- Chamath Kangara – 9.21 mins
Under 19
- Mohamed Firoos Mohamed Faizar – 8.26.03 mins
- Theshika Dissanayake – 8.26.08 mins
- Mohamed Sufail Sufail – 9.01.01 mins
Open Category
- Shaheed Shakoor – 8.02.04 mins
- Akash Dayananda – 9.56.07 mins
- Mihin Malkhan – 9.58.04 mins
Months of meticulous planning made the process for the smooth execution of Senkanda’24. Much prominence should be given to Mast. Abeetha Elahena, the Secretary of the Trinity College Cycling Club, a relentless worker and the main pillar of strength behind the success of the event. Abeetha made it all possible, from coordinating with the Kandy Cycling Community, to dealing with logistics, often managing a lot of action entirely on his own. Gratitude should also be shown to the rest of the committee of the Cycling Club. All this was made possible due to their commitment alongside the unwavering assistance of Mr. Dulanjaya Abeywickrama, the Master-in-Charge of the Cycling Club. Such commitment was evident prior to the actual event, making sure Senkanda ’24 lived up to its legacy and set new benchmarks.
The event further benefited from the collaboration of the Kandy Cycling Community, represented by its President, Mr. Dammika Bambaradeniya, a proud alumnus of Trinity College. Such combined efforts involved bringing together cyclists from all over the city to enable spirit within the culture of cycling in Kandy. Every participant received a medal, a certificate, and a souvenir, fulfilling this event’s objective of inclusivity and celebration for sporting achievements.
As the wheels spun through the lush greenery of Udawaththakele, Senkanda ’24 proved to be more than just a race. It was a journey of adventure, resilience, and unity, where the pulse of history met the thrill of competition, and legends were born once again.
