Plans to keep Amashova alive despite Covid-19 pandemic

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.

“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.

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.

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