The 2023 Amashova Durban Classic Cycle Race is gearing up for its annual event with participants and spectators keenly awaiting the event, while road closures are set to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the race.
2023 Amashova Durban Classic Cycle Race: Here’s what to expect
The much-anticipated Amashova Durban Classic is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 23 October 2022, with three different race distances available for cyclists: 106km, 65km, and 38km.
The varying distances are designed to accommodate cyclists of different capabilities, starting from different points but all culminating under the pedestrian bridge on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.
The longest stretch of 106km kicks off from the Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the 65km race starts from Cato Ridge, while the 38km race will commence from Hillcrest.
The organisers have ensured full road closure for the duration of the event to provide a secure environment for both the cyclists and the public.
For those participating in the 65km and 106km races, a temporary timing board will be provided to keep track of their race times.
How the Amashova Classic grew to become a premier cycling event
An interesting part of the Amashova race is its historical connection with the Comrades Marathon route, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
The idea, conceived by veteran Springbok cyclists Dave Wiseman and Tony McMillan, initially faced resistance from traffic authorities but eventually found support from local politicians and the community, leading to the inaugural race in 1986.
The growth of the race was slow initially, with restrictive conditions imposed on participants. However, the intervention by Durban’s Mayor and KwaZulu Natal’s Transport Ministry in the late 90s changed the race’s profile completely, making it one of the premier cycling events in South Africa.
2023 Amashova Durban Classic: Motorists advised to take note of these road closures
This year, a minor but significant route change through Hillcrest has been announced, where cyclists will now pass through Old Main Road and Hospital Road before entering the M13 via Plantations on Shongweni Road.
Race director, Annie Batchelder, emphasised the close collaboration with various partners including the Road Accident Fund (RAF), eThekwini Metro Police, SAPS, Msunduzi Traffic, RTI, and other safety and logistics experts to ensure the security of the cycling route on race day.
The detailed schedule of road closures can be found below:
| Roads | Closure Times |
|---|---|
| Chief Albert Luthuli Street to Alexandra Road | 04:00 – 09:00 |
| Alexandra Road to Umlaas Road | 04:00 – 10.30 |
| Umlaas Road to R103 Inchanga / 1000 Hills | 04:00 – 12:00 |
| R103 Inchanga to Botha’s Hill Butchery | 04:00 – 13:00 |
| R103 Patna Road to R103 Galloway Road | 04:00 – 13.30 |
| Old Main Road Hillcrest – Hospital Road | 04:45 – 13.30 |
| Hospital Road / Shongweni Rd – M13 Hillcrest | 04:45 – 13.30 |
| M13 Hillcrest to M13 Westville (westbound) Pietermaritzburg bound | 04:00 – 14.30 |
| M13 Westville to M13 45th Cutting (westbound) Pietermaritzburg-bound | 04:00 – 14.30 |
| N3 outbound to Monty Naicker Street | 04:00 – 15:00 |
| Monty Naicker Street (Pine Street) | 04:00 – 15:00 |
| Masabalala Yengwa Ave (southbound) | 04:00 – 16:00 |