ROHAN Du Plooy and Jo van de Winkel emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories at this year’s Amashova Durban Classic Race despite adverse weather conditions.

The event saw thousands of cyclists taking part in a spectacular showcase of talent and determination, cementing its status as one of South Africa’s premier cycling events.

Cyclists of all skill levels, from amateurs to seasoned professionals, tested their mettle on the challenging course in very wet and windy conditions along most of the route.

One of the highlights of the event was the sprint finish of the men’s elite riders, with split seconds between the top places as Du Plooy emerged as the men’s champion with a time of 02:20:24.02, and behind him in second and third place were Jaedon Terlouw and Gustav Basson respectively.

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Du Plooy had previously placed second in the Amashova, but this year, at the age of 29, he achieved first place overall in the 106km race.

He said it was a hard day out on the road with the challenging weather conditions but he thoroughly enjoyed the race.

“To win the Amashova, the oldest classic road-cycling race in the country, is every cyclist’s dream and certainly a big achievement for me,” he said.

Van de Winkel claimed victory in the women’s elite category with Carla Oberholzer taking close second place.

In addition to the professional categories, the Amashova Durban Classic Race also celebrated the spirit of community and inclusivity.

The event featured a range of categories and age groups, ensuring that riders of all backgrounds could participate and experience the thrill of competitive cycling.

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“We were thrilled to see such a remarkable turnout for this year’s event. The event has once again brought together a diverse group of riders, from professionals to amateurs, and showcased the beauty of cycling in this stunning part of South Africa. The success of the Amashova Durban Classic Race would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, volunteers and the local community. Their commitment to the event has been invaluable, and we are grateful for their contribution,” said Annie Batchelder, Amashova race director.

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