The Amashova cycling race, which is South Africa’s oldest road classic, has opted for the virtual option this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead of postponing or cancelling the Durban-based event, organisers have decided to allow anyone from anywhere in the world to keep the Amashova spirit alive on October 18.
Entrants can simply put on their race number (which will be emailed to them) and take to the great outdoors, solo or in a group, as they tackle a 35km, 50km, 65km and 80km road or mountain bike distance.
Organisers have also introduced a 5km and 10km charity fun run of which a portion of the entry fee will be donated to the chosen charity of the event – the Flag Animal Farm.
The beneficiary, which is located on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, each year receives the haybales which are used on the race route to use as bedding.
Cyclists have the option to start anytime and on any route on the Sunday.
If they link their Strava and give timing company Racetec permission, then they will receive their results and will be able to download an official finishing certificate.
Another wonderful incentive that has been included in this year’s virtual event is that all entrants will have the option to be seeded in the “Friends of the Amashova” batch for next year’s race.
This means that riders will have a preferential start time for the 106km, 65km and 35km events.
Participants will also be credited with another year on their green number log, which means that if they have completed nine rides, the virtual event will be counted as their tenth ride and they will be riding with a green number next year.
The first 5 000 entrants will be emailed a virtual goodie bag, thanks to the event’s virtual goodie bag partner Cycle Lab.
Other companies who are giving entrants great deals in the goodie bags include PowerBar, Thule, Futurelife and Be Bright.
When entering online there are also a variety of merchandise that can be purchased, which will be couriered directly to entrants.
Be part of Amashova’s history by entering here: https://online.entries.co.za/entries/findperson.aspx?pa=se&eid=4826.
For more information on the event visit: https://www.facebook.com/Amashova.
Date: Sunday, October 18
Distances: 35km, 50km, 65km and 80km road or mountain bike
Route: Anywhere in the world
Time: Anytime on October 18
Cost: R150
Distance: 5km and 10km Charity Fun Run
Route: Anywhere in the world
Time: Anytime on October 18
Cost: R50
Closing date: Monday, October 12