Entries now open for Amashova 2016
The iconic race is now celebrating its 30th year.
SOUTH Africa’s oldest road cycling race, the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic is turning 30 this year and as part of the celebrations has launched a local legends campaign.
The race takes place on Sunday, 16 October.
According to Tsogo Sun Amashova’s race director, Annie Batchelder, the campaign was to recognise loyal cyclists that had cycled in the race for 10 years or more and are esteemed members of the Green Number Club.
“The loyalty of the more than 600 riders who have ridden the Tsogo Sun Amashova for 10 years and more to earn their green number is testament to the quality of this race on both a social and competitive level,” said Annie.
The history of this grand ‘classic’ cycle race, is one of dogged determination to succeed in spite of the odds. The idea of a bicycle race on the route of the world famous Comrades Marathon, was the dream of veteran Springbok cyclist, Dave Wiseman and his friend, Tony McMillan.
Since 2014, the race has run from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban through spectacular scenery, ending at MasabalalaYengwa Avenue, with the prize-giving at Tsogo Sun’s Suncoast.
The main race is 106km long, with two shorter fun ride options of 35km, which start at Hillcrest and end at Suncoast, and the 65km half challenge, which starts at Cato Ridge and ends at Suncoast. All three races have full road closure.
Another highlight for this year will be the two live bands that will perform in the public hospitality area, the Kickstands and the Gus Brown Band.
“Today the race is the oldest and one of the largest classic cycle races in the country, with prize money of more than R100 000 and a starting line-up of more than 10 000 entries over the three races.”
Entries are still open to cyclists and a place can be secured online at www.shova.co.za.
The closing date for online entries is Friday, 16 September at 11pm.
