Epic Rainy Challenge at Amashova National Classic

October 20, 2024

Nearly 3,500 participants braved rainy conditions to complete their routes to Durban at the Amashova National Classic, celebrating South Africa’s premier Gran Fondo event on Sunday as they crossed the finish line at Moses Mabhida Stadium, located by Durban’s seaside.

/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Nearly 3,500 participants braved rainy conditions to complete their routes to Durban at the Amashova National Classic, celebrating South Africa’s premier Gran Fondo event on Sunday as they crossed the finish line at Moses Mabhida Stadium, located by Durban’s seaside.

The 126 km distance riders set off early from the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, Umngeni, joining the classic route in Pietermaritzburg at the iconic Comrades Marathon start line, in front of City Hall. Mr. Chris Pappas, Mayor of Umngeni Municipality, welcomed the determined long-distance participants at the start line at 5:30 AM.

Though the morning began with mist, the weather soon turned rainy, but this didn’t deter the riders. Cyclists persevered through the wet conditions, eventually arriving at the Southern Sun Tsogo Sun Globe Lounge, where a warm reception awaited them.

In the competitive race, S’Nara Grove (RSA) triumphed in the women’s classic distance, while Felix Stheli (Switzerland) took the men’s title. Both crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 14 minutes, averaging nearly 49 km/h despite the slick roads, with particularly challenging conditions on the descents towards Durban’s coast. Mr. Cyril Xaba, Cllr and Mayor of eThekwini, delivered an inspiring speech on the main stage before the prize-giving ceremony, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s oldest cycling classic. And Kwazulu-Natal MEC for Sports , Arts and Culture, Hon Mntomuhle Khawula congratulate personally the elite winners and all other finishers.

Moses Mabhida Stadium hosted more than 3,000 cyclists in this exciting edition of the Amashova, with sponsorship lounges and the awards ceremony just meters from the finish line. Durban Tourism hosted the arrival and cemented Durban’s status as a leading destination for sports tourism. Together with Gran Fondo World Tour® and Amashova race management, the city aims to host the 2026 Gran Fondo World Championship®, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held in Africa, positioning the continent as a rising destination for cycling and sports travel.