Amanzimtoti cyclists ride in Amashova race
Although cyclists were met by rain on race day, all the participants from the Toti club persevered and completed their races.
THE field of nearly 3 500 cyclists who braved the rain to take part in the Amashova National Classic, South Africa’s premier Gran Fondo event, on October 20, included members of the Amanzimtoti Cycle Club.
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Anton van der Merwe, Shaun Tischendorf, Leanne Davidson, Wilhiem Tessenaar, Vusi Ntuli, Jannie Els, Aaron Hoogers and Richard Allkins took on routes of varying distances, all culminating at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Club chairman Barry Walker said that despite the weather, spirits were high and the cyclists completed their challenging journeys in celebration of this prestigious race. The longest distance of 126km saw cyclists set off early from the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, uMngeni, and join the classic route at Pietermaritzburg’s Comrades Marathon start line in front of the City Hall.
uMngeni Municipality mayor Chris Pappas was present at 05:30 to welcome the riders, giving them words of encouragement before their long journey to the coast.
“Although the day began with mist, conditions soon turned rainy, making the roads wet and slippery. However, the cyclists pressed on, showing great determination. Their perseverance paid off as they reached the Southern Sun Tsogo Sun Globe Lounge in Durban, where a warm reception and well-deserved congratulations awaited them,” said Walker.
All Amanzimtoti riders completed their distances. Walker congratulated all who took part in the race.
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