Podi Team claim victory at Red Bull Tuk It

A total of 720 participants in 240 tuk-tuks set out at the dead of night from the start point of Thalduwa Kelani Valley Sports Ground on 8 April to cover two provinces, 20 cities, 190 kilometres and 15 challenges in a bid to reach Nuwara Eliya on 9 April and achieve glory as the winners of Red Bull Tuk It 2017. The rally, which lasted 21 hours, tested all teams equally as they battled fatigue, emotions, challenges and most of all the terrain of Sri Lanka which proved it is one to be reckoned with. 

From the first stage onwards, Podi Team from the Sabaragamuwa Province took on a more strategic and calculated path through the rally, as they remained calm and followed route instructions, allowing them to gain the most points. Completing 90% of the tasks set through the rally, Podi Team pulled to the top of the pack, and from the final checkpoint at the Ambewela New Zealand Farm to Nuwara Eliya saw them pick up pace as they saw their end line. 

Podi Team with their stand out performance earned them the Winners title. Team Eksath Threerodha Ratha Sangamaya came in second whilst Team Ambalangoda was relegated to 3rd place. Last but not least, Team Pink Lions from Maharagama was awarded the prize of being the most creative tuk-tuk. 

“We are so excited to win. The tasks and the route of Red Bull Tuk It was very challenging for us both physically and mentally including the fact that the race started at midnight which added to the difficulty. However, the whole team played their part well from the navigators who sat in the back to the driver and all of us knew we wanted a podium finish whatever the difficulty. It took us a long time to get to the first task and we were a bit nervous about making mistakes during the challenges but we just kept pushing and I guess it turned out well for us. Overall, I think this was a really good result and a great rally for us to take part in especially the Kithulgala stage. This had to be our favourite portion of the competition. We are definitely looking forward to taking part next year and defending our title,” said Podi Team, Winners of Red Bull Tuk It 2017. 

Red Bull Tuk It is a rally style challenge that utilises Sri Lanka’s most used form of transportation — the tuk-tuk, while allowing teams to take in the iconic beauty of Sri Lanka. The course is not necessarily physical, but by accomplishing tasks, which are a combination of active adventure, getting to grips with tasks of local traditions and then the ultimate satisfaction of reaching the end brings the essence of what the project is about. The course this year consisted of three stages, 15 challenges and 12 checkpoints from Avisawella to Nuwara Eliya. 

The rally does not stop there. For all the latest information from the event please visit the Facebook Page Red Bull Tuk It or visit Red Bull Content Pool for the latest pictures and videos from the event.