TZANEEN – Ntwanano Ngobeni, a cyclist from Tzaneen, participated in the 2024 Amashova National Classic in cold and wet weather in Durban recently.

Ngobeni, who had taken a two-year break from cycling long distances, said the race was brutal due to the rain, but it still was a good experience.

He could only manage to ride 65km and not the full 106km. “I will enter again next year but will train better,” he added.

Ngobeni said the logistics surrounding the race was expensive and tiring. “You must wake up early, have a driver, or pay for the bus, it’s not user-friendly,” he said.

Phalaborwa was also well represented at the race with cyclists such as Welcome Khoza, Lucas Malatji and Fumani Ntlhamu participating.

Malatji said he was pleased with the heaters at the finish line where they could warm up. Khoza also said the cold weather was challenging.