Amashova National Classic to host 2026 Gran Fondo World Tour® ROAD Championship

At the weekend, nearly 3,500 participants braved rainy conditions at the Amashova National Classic in Durban, South Africa

Held on October 20, 2024, and billed as ‘The oldest road classic cycle race in South Africa’, the Amashova National Classic has been part of the Gran Fondo World Tour series since 2018.

Nearly 3,500 participants braved rainy conditions to complete their routes to Durban at the Amashova National Classic, celebrating South Africa’s premier Gran Fondo event on Sunday as they crossed the finish line at Moses Mabhida Stadium, located by Durban’s seaside.

The 126 km distance riders set off early from the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, Umngeni, joining the classic route in Pietermaritzburg at the iconic Comrades Marathon start line, in front of City Hall. Mr. Chris Pappas, Mayor of Umngeni Municipality, welcomed the determined long-distance participants at the start line at 5:30 AM.

Though the morning began with mist, the weather soon turned rainy, but this didn’t deter the riders. Cyclists persevered through the wet conditions, eventually arriving at the Southern Sun Tsogo Sun Globe Lounge, where a warm reception awaited them.

Gran Fondo World Tour and the Amashova race management team are aiming for the event to host the 2026 Gran Fondo World Tour Championship. This will mark the first time the championship event will be held in Africa, positioning the continent as a rising destination for cycling and sports travel.

Durban Tourism hosted the 2024 race for all riders – aiming to cement Durban’s status as a key destination for sports tourism.

In the 132km Gran Fondo, U23 Reuben Price (Midlands) was fastest in a time of 3:24:47, ahead of Nicholas Dlamini was second 3:36:27 and Bevan Jones (Edenglen) third in 3:36:52.

In the womens category, Nicole O'Byrne was fastest in a time of 3:45:25 ahead of Maritha Redelinghuys in second 4:47:11 and Louise Shuter 4:47:40 in third place.

Link to 2024 Amashova National Classic Results: https://results.finishtime.co.za/results.aspx?CId=35&RId=4842