Local cyclists brave Amashova Classic Race
The Amashova is the third-largest road-cycle race in South Africa.
Kwa-Thema- Five cyclists from the Social Cycling Club based in Springs embarked on a long-distance challenge by cycling 600km to Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal to participate in the Amashova Classic Race.
The team of three men and two women kicked off the challenge on Thursday and stopped in Newcastle for a rest. They then moved to stop at Greytown and on the third day, Friday, cycled to Ethekwini.
On Saturday they competed in the 36th Amashova Durban Classic Race, in the 106 km race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
The race, which started at 09:00 and ended at 16:00, took place at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (NMR Avenue) southbound under the pedestrian bridge that connects Mustering Fields to People’s Park.
The Amashova is the third-largest road-cycle race in South Africa.
Cyclist Mmatumelo Tjabadi said they decided to cycle to the event and not fly or use any other mode of transport.
“This was to challenge ourselves to complete the 706 km. I am proud to have successfully competed in and completed the challenges and now know that my body is capable,” she explained.
She added this was her first long-distance race and for a first-timer, “ I was able to brave the steep heels in different provinces and came to appreciate the beautiful landscapes.
“My feet are still painful from the hours of cycling but it was worth all worth it,” she added.
The team is planning to compete in more upcoming cycling challenges. Mmatumelo is inviting young people to join the team and start cycling from a young age.
“We understand that the sport is expensive and requires lots of hours to master, but we are here to facilitate and find sponsorships for the equipment and gear.
“We want to see young people from this township competing in international cycling competitions and winning,” she added.
