Durban father and daughter ready for Amashova challenge

DURBAN residents, Glen Gore and his daughter Tegan, are gearing up for this year’s Amashova Durban Classic on Sunday, October 23.

The duo, who are well-known in the sport of triathlon, recently took part in the Tour Durban and have now set their sights on the race that sees cyclists riding the Comrades route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Glen, a multiple SA triathlon champ, is entering only his second Amashova and says he is looking forward to having fun on the day.

“As an event organiser myself, I try to support the local events as much as I can by taking part. The organisers need the support of the local KZN sporting fraternity to ensure we keep the various sporting codes alive and healthy in the province, so that is also why I’m taking part. I’m also looking forward to the camaraderie and the race-day experience. I’m nowhere near the elite cyclists, so the plan is to just soak up the atmosphere and not put any pressure on myself to finish in a specific time,” he explained.

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“It makes a huge difference that my family all have some experience in road races or cycling in general. Besides Tegan, my wife and older daughter also cycle. Quite often, they find out they’ve been entered into a race through a family email,” he quipped. “I let them know a few weeks before an event I’ve entered them into it, but it is all in the name of fun and keeping fit,” he said.

While this year’s Amashova will be Tegan’s second one overall, there is much excitement as she will be cycling in the elite ladies’ race.

“I last cycled an Amashova in 2015, when I was in Grade Eight. My mom and I completed the 38km event. I must admit I’m a little nervous as I haven’t done the full distance before, let alone in the elite ladies’ category. I will be cycling for Team Rennen, and my goal is do everything I can for the team. I got to experience the elite ladies’ event at the recent Tour Durban, and it is incredibly tough but definitely character building,” the 21-year-old said.

“At the Tour Durban, I went in a little underprepared due to an injury, but I actually enjoyed the experience and pulled it off. Now that I’m on the road to recovery and have a little more preparation time, I feel better about doing my best for the team at the Amashova. I’m looking forward to the event as there aren’t many races left in the year with the cycling season drawing towards a close.”

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Glen added that the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Durban event, which features a 90km cycle race, will also be a good marker for the Amashova race.