Organisers of the Amashova Durban Classic, which took place on Sunday, decided to stop the 106km race when temperatures reached potentially dangerous levels for cyclists.
Buses were sent to collect around 400 cyclists who were still out on the road in the Botha’s Hill area by midday, according to the event’s social media platforms.
The participants were taken with their bicycles to the finish at Suncoast, where additional water points and an extended safety bike park area was set up.
“The safety of the cyclists participating in our race is our top priority,” said race director Annie Batchelder.
She added that their decision to stop the race and get the riders off the road was supported by the joint operations centre, comprising a number of senior decision-makers from various departments.
“The residents along the route have been amazingly supportive in so many ways in assisting cyclists who were battling with the heat,” Batchelder said.
“We are grateful for all the support and the quick reaction by our partners on the route to ensure the safety and well-being of our cyclists.”
In a separate incident, a male rider suffered a heart attack on the route and sadly passed away despite the best efforts of paramedics.
