SIXTY-NINE-YEAR old Henk Duys recently completed the 106km Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2015 on Sunday, 18 October, being the only person to have completed the race year on year since its inception in 1986.
Now in its 29th year, the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic has become a favourite among riders all across South Africa, and this year saw over 10 000 riders participating.
Duys, who hails from Hillcrest, is listed as a green number rider and says that when he first decided to take part in the race 29 years ago, he was overweight and living an unhealthy life, and felt he needed to make a positive change.
“I have completed a number of cycling competitions over the years and have even been involved in cycling some of the stages of Le Tour De France in previous years. This year alone I have cycled close to 8 000 kilometres,” he said.
For Duys, every year the Amashova gets better and year on year his aim is to beat his previous time – with this year being no exception.
“The ride is never an easy one and is demanding on one’s body, but if you have a team that you are able to ride with, like Westville Cycle Club/Mr Price, which I am part of, it makes the ride more enjoyable and you are able to gain encouragement from like-minded sportsmen,” he added.
For him, the biggest challenge of the race is the trek up Foxhill, but over the years, Duys added that he has gained much experience along the route and knows how to overcome any hurdle.
Duys is passionate about cycling and always encourages his family to participate. Boasting four children and 11 grandchildren, Duys was pleased to welcome his son, Michael, and grandson, Lucas, to the 35km race but hopes that one day they will ride alongside him in the 106km.
If Duys had to give one piece of advice to a first time competing cyclist, it would be to ensure that they follow cycling etiquette and always remember that there is another rider behind who cannot predict other cyclists’ actions.
The Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic has proved to be a race that supports healthy living and fitness, and since Duys’ participation in the first Amashova, he has lost a total of 22kg and is fit and living a healthy life.
