Commonwealth Games: Sri Lankan cyclists spark police scramble after riding on motorway

Four members of the Sri Lankan cycling team were stopped by police after riding on one of Scotland's busiest motorways. Photo / Twitter - @jonny_brownlee

Avoiding long-haul truckers, slow-moving caravans and tractors is not many people's idea of the ideal warm-up for a Commonwealth Games time trial.

But that is exactly what the four members of Sri Lanka's cycling team were confronted with on Wednesday when they decided to go on a training ride down one of Scotland's busiest motorways.

Jeevan Jayasinghe, Buddhika Warnakulasooriya, Dinesha Adikari Mudiyanselage and Sriyalatha Wicramasinghe were spotted on their bikes travelling on the inside lane of the M74 before police stopped them and told them they were breaking the law.

The amusing scene was captured on camera by English triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, with younger brother Jonathan tweeting: "Just seen the Sri Lankan cycling team on the M74. Suppose it is a nice wide road!!"

Just seen the Sri Lankan cycling team on the M74. Suppose it is a nice wide road!! pic.twitter.com/1sMV3ZDAin

A police spokeswoman confirmed the cyclists were loaded onto a team vehicle before leaving the area and stated: "Advice and assistance was given and the cyclists were advised to get off the road."

The latest episode follows a similar misdemeanor by two members of Kenya's 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games cycling team when they were caught by police riding down the M61 near Bolton.

On that occasion the surprised riders told police officers they had already completed the same journey on the motorway the previous day and that bike riding on the motorways in Kenya is perfectly legal.

The Sri Lankan cycling team cruising down the M74, lovely spot for a bike ride. pic.twitter.com/NYr17Pp6So

Describing the scene when he spotted the Kenyans on their bikes, police inspector Chris Burrows said: "I couldn't quite believe my eyes. They reached speeds of 40mph.

"They were dressed in full training kit and did not seem to have a care in the world. Both spoke good English and were very surprised they could not cycle along the motorway."

A similar episode occurred during the Manchester Games in 2002 when two Kenyan cyclists travelled 17 miles down the M61 before being pulled over by police near Bolton.