Held this year on October 20, 2024, and billed as ‘The oldest road classic cycle race in South Africa’, the Amashova National Classic has been a part of the Gran Fondo World Tour series since 2018.
The Amashova typically attracts thousands of riders each year. It’s a popular cycling event known for its scenic route and competitive spirit. The exact number of riders can vary from year to year, but the organising team note that it is usually in the thousands.
The race features two challenging routes: the 106km course, which follows the Comrades Marathon route, and a longer 132km course, which starts at the ‘Nelson Mandela Capture Site’.
The Capture Site, located near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, marks the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. A commemorative sculpture by artist Marco Cianfanelli stands as a landmark in the landscape. Since 2016, the Apartheid Museum, in collaboration with the KZN Provincial Government, has operated a museum at the site, making it a point of historical and cultural significance.
The main Amashova 106km race traces the path, and extends beyond, the route of the Comrades Marathon, which was established in 1921. This ultramarathon covers approximately 88km (55 miles) between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and is the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon race.
For cyclists looking for a different challenge, the event weekend also offers 65km and 38km routes, both of which head toward Durban. All races finish at the Suncoast Tsogo Sun site on the Golden Mile Beachfront of Durban Promenade.
“We’ve been coming to the KwaZulu-Natal region and Durban since 2018, and it feels like home, thanks to our local family of organizers who host us on our world tour,” said Dani Buyo, CEO of Gran Fondo World Tour.
“Cyclotourists from around the world should experience the Amashova at least once in their lifetime. Annie Batcheler, the true soul of the Amashova, coordinates an enthusiastic staff to manage hundreds of crew members, ensuring an unforgettable event for all participants.”
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