Amashova is back to ‘shake things up’ in 2021

With support from the City of Durban, RTI, local SAPS and Metro Police, the new ‘Shova Shake-up’  will offer cyclists the option to ride either a 38km or 80km route with full road-closure on the M13 instead of the usual R103 route.

This out and back ride starting from outside Moses Mabhida Stadium to Shongweni and back again will make for easier planning and logistics for cyclists wishing to participate in the longer distance.

“Our riders’ safety has always been a top priority for us, so apart from the usual COVID-19 challenges that all events have been faced with since the pandemic hit our shores, we have also had to factor in the more recent and extensive roadworks on the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, as well as the upgrade to the R103," says Annie Batchelder, Amashova Durban Classic’s Race Director.

"We have never wanted to compromise on the riding experience that the Amashova race is so well known for, which is why we have reimagined the route and distances for this year. The safety of all participants must be prioritised while also making for an enjoyable cycling experience.

"We have missed putting on this wonderful race and engaging with our loyal cyclists just as much as I am sure they have missed riding with full road closure. The Amashova is the first road cycling event to take place in KZN since 2019."

This popular cycling race is not only a highlight on local and national cyclists’ calendars, it is also a major contributor during a period that is normally considered a quiet time of year for the hospitality and tourism industry in KZN.

“We were more determined than ever to put on a successful race this year, and we know how important it is for our local economy as we understand the additional benefits for the City of Durban to host an event of this calibre. We are itching to see cyclists back on their bikes enjoying what Durban has to offer," explains Batchelder.

The pandemic has been especially hard for the eventing, tourism and hospitality sectors, which are normally key contributors to the health of the city’s economy. With October being Transport Month, it couldn’t be more appropriate that the return of the Amashova is to take place in October with a new route and distances. Recreational cyclists will undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to get on their bikes and enjoy the ‘freedom’ of exploring the city. 

Batchelder confirmed that the race has been sanctioned by Cycling South Africa and is being run according to the specifications agreed with the Department of Sport, Art and Culture. COVID-19 protocols are being implemented to ensure maximum safety for participating cyclists, with a drive-through registration at Suncoast Casino’s car park to collect race packs on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 October.

Some other COVID-19 criteria cyclists need to comply with includes all participants wearing masks at the start of the race and smaller batches being introduced with starting times based on previous event timings. There will also be no post-race hospitality offered and no spectators will be permitted on the route during the event.

All cyclists in Durban and KZN surrounds are being called to dust off the cobwebs from their bikes and enter now. To commemorate their ride, cyclists will receive a medal and a R400 Cycle Lab voucher along with the exciting experience of full road closure.

“Our gratitude goes to the cyclists who have already signed up, we hope lots of other local social and competitive riders will follow suit and register in the coming weeks.

"We are so thankful to the City of Ethekweni and all the relevant departments for making this event possible! With so many restrictions imposed on event organisers, we thank them for seeing the benefit that this event brings to the region. We are committed to strictly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols laid down by the local Covid council.

"We are also grateful in advance to the residents of Ethekweni for their patience with the road closures that will take place along the designated M13 route from 04h00 until 11h30 on Sunday 24 October 2021. The full route information will be available on our website shortly (www.shova.co.za),” adds Batchelder.

Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad of the Durban Metropolitan Police also confirmed that alternative routes for the public to use on race day will be disclosed in due course.

To register for this year’s race taking place on Sunday 24 October 2021, visit www.shova.co.za before noon on 06 October 2021 when entries close.