Stunning day at Amashova National Classic, the South African Stop of Gran Fondo World Tour ® 2025

July 23, 2025

39 Years Strong , The 2025 Amashova National Classic Unites Cyclists Across South Africa

July 23, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 2025 edition of the Amashova National Classic once again delivered an unforgettable day of cycling, passion, and perseverance, as thousands of cyclists descended on KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 20 July. Now in its 39th year, the Amashova National Classic has cemented its status as one of South Africa’s most beloved and enduring cycling events, receiving over 3,500 entries this year.

Starting from the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick, riders embarked on a 132 km journey that wound through the scenic Midlands and Valley of a Thousand Hills, finishing under the Masabalala Yengwa Pedestrian Bridge in Durban. From enthusiastic beginners to elite professionals, participants embraced the challenge with determination and camaraderie. The event once again showcased remarkable sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and the unmistakable energy that defines the Amashova.

The date change from October to July has proved to be a very positive move for the event, and many of the previous participants have returned to ride, as the July date is more suitable due to school holidays.

“We’re always blown away by the heart and determination shown by our riders,” said Annie Batchelder, Amashova National Classic Race Director. “The Amashova is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and the incredible cycling community that comes together year after year to make this event so special.”

“Moving to july offers to our Gran Fondo World Tour ® calendar the opportunity to discover an amazing destination for our gran fondo community” said Dani Buyo CEO_Founder of GFWT.

As another successful chapter of the Amashova National Classic drew to a close, organisers confirmed that planning for the 40th anniversary edition in 2026 is already underway, promising even more excitement and innovation for riders and supporters alike with more involvement from GFWT to internacinalize de edition.

The competition in both the men’s and women’s elite categories was fierce, with riders delivering outstanding performances throughout the race. The official results for the top finishers in the 2025 Amashova National Classic 106 km event are as follows:

Classic distance and the most elite competitive one saw these results, with two amazing final sprints at the finish line in Durban, next to the Moses Mabhida Stadium and Suncoast Hotel, featuring an incredible finishers’ lounge with food and drinks for all participants.

Women’s Top 3 Podium: Lisa Bone, S’annara Grove, Lucy Young
Men’s Top 3 Podium: Emile van Niekerk, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Travis Stedman

Amashova National Classic

The Amashova National Classic began in 1986, making it SA’s oldest ‘classic’ cycling race. The idea of having a bicycle race on the route of the world-famous Comrades Marathon was the dream of veteran Springbok cyclist Dave Wiseman and his friend Tony McMillian.

Over the years, improvements to the route and road closures, accompanied by a steady increase in entries year after year and the involvement of some of the country’s top sponsors, have helped make the ‘Shova’ one of the most loved and KwaZulu-Natal’s biggest cycling races, and part of Gran Fondo World Tour ® since 2018 calendar.