Amashova Durban Classic organisers have announced that there will be only two official racing categories for this year’s event taking place from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on October 20.
In an effort to place further support and emphasis on SA’s elite racing categories for men and women, there will be one male category for elite and U23 men only, which has been shifted to the challenging 160km race.
On the women’s side there will be one category that includes elite, U23 and vets for the 106km race.
Riders pictured before the start of the 160km race at the Amashova Durban Classic last year. Photo: Facebook/Gran Fondo World Tour
All other riders will be placed in the open seeded events to encourage other cyclists outside of these categories to race for the love of cycling or for a cause they wish to support.
This year the top five positions for each respective gender will be recognised and rewarded, with the overall prize money being increased to R160 000.
Should any riders who fall into other categories and hold a full racing licence want to ride the 106km, they will be seeded into the open seeded event where there will be no prize money but, in line with CSA rules, prize vouchers for the top riders in the A Batch will be awarded.
The event organisers are working closely with Cycling KZN and the official timing company to ensure that any rider who achieves first, second or third position in the open seeded batches in their respective age groups will be awarded points towards provincial colours.
Junior men who want to participate in the 160km group, or junior women who wish to ride the 106km race, will be permitted to do so provided they turn 18 this year and have written approval from Cycling SA.
