Plans to keep Amashova alive despite Covid-19 pandemic
Amashova race director, Annie Batchelder said her team has already been in touch with the City to find a way to make the Amashova a success amidst the pandemic.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2020/06/TSO_AMA_PR__7-Large.jpg)
RECENT discussions with Cycling SA and other big cycling event organisers has given the Amashova Durban Classic team a glimmer of hope that one of SA’s oldest cycling races may still be a live event come October.
Coupled with the recent musings of Cycle Lab’s Sean Badenhorst in an article he published on Tread – the timing of hosting this year’s event, if it is permitted, is an exciting prospect.
According to Badenhorst, during lockdown cycling related sales increased and the industry saw a surge of new customers dust off their bikes to get back out onto the road again.
Amashova race director, Annie Batchelder said her team has already been in touch with the Disaster Management office in Durban as well as the Tourism Durban office to find a way to make the Amashova a success amidst the pandemic.
Read also: Kim puts her best foot forward for Bright Eyes
“In the event that the race can still take place in October, but under very strict self-distancing regulations, we have already been working closely with the likes of Cycling SA and other key organisations. Our number one priority in this planning phase is to make the necessary arrangements for safety and hygiene to ensure the safety of our cyclists and mitigate any risks of further outbreaks and Covid-19 transmission,” said Batchelder.
However, should SA’s Department of Sports and Recreation not be open to this non-contact sport being opened again on a larger scale – the Amashova team have also started investigating taking the race virtual.
According to an update from the organisers, should the beloved Amashova go digital this year plans would likely include an online expo, virtual goodie bags, a race day video of the route and the ability for cyclists to post their race day times online so their ride will still count towards their Green Number goals.
Read also: Sunningdale resident raises funds on the run
There was even mention by the organisers of special merchandise being produced this year to commemorate the race still taking place during these unprecedented times.
To find out more about entering the Amashova Durban Classic visit www.amashova.co.za.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.