It was in Durban in 1986 that a bold dream to create a cycling race along the iconic Comrades Marathon route became a reality. Some four decades years later, the Amashova National Classic proudly stands as South Africa's oldest classic cycling race, and in 2026, the legendary event celebrates its landmark 40th anniversary.
Taking place on Sunday, 19 July 2026, the 40th edition of Amashova promises to be far more than just another race day. It will be a celebration of legacy, endurance, memories and the generations of cyclists who have helped shape one of South Africa's most iconic sporting events.
LEGENDS RETURN
This year's event will honour the race's rich history by welcoming back cycling legends, former champions, founding personalities like David Wiseman himself and other iconic riders who have played a role in Amashova's remarkable four-decade journey.
From past winners to cycling pioneers, the 40th anniversary edition will reunite the people who helped build the spirit and prestige of the "Shova".
Originally founded by veteran Springbok cyclist David Wiseman and friend Tony McMillan, Amashova quickly grew from a visionary idea into a bucket-list event on South Africa's cycling calendar.
Over the years, thousands of riders from elite professionals and Olympic athletes to social cyclists and charity riders have conquered the unforgettable route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
While proudly rooted in KwaZulu-Natal, Amashova has evolved into a truly national event. Cyclists from across South Africa make the annual pilgrimage to Durban, with Johannesburg and the broader Gauteng cycling community continuing to represent one of the race's strongest rider bases.
For many, Amashova is more than a race. It is a rite of passage. “Reaching 40 years is an incredibly proud moment for everyone connected to Amashova," says Annie Batchelder, Race Director of the Amashova National Classic.
"This anniversary is about celebrating the people, the stories, the champions and the communities that have made the race what it is today. We are excited to welcome back many of the legends and familiar faces who have been part of this journey over the decades.
FULL ROAD CLOSURE
The 2026 edition will once again feature full road closure from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, offering riders a world-class race experience across the three distances: of 106km, 70km and 40km.
The legendary 106km Classic will begin at Pietermaritzburg City Hall, while the 40km route starts at Westown Square in Shongweni, with the new start for the 70km at Camperdown SuperSpar. All routes finish at the Masabalala Yengwa Pedestrian Bridge in Durban.
DASH FOR CASH SPECTACLE
The 40th anniversary celebrations will also showcase some exciting additions for riders and spectators alike, including the Amashova Criterium (Crit) called “Dash for Cash” that is following straight after the main Amashova race.
The Dash for Cash promises fast-paced Formula One-type racing, the fastest-finishing Amashova riders going head-to-head in a spectator-friendly circuit race at Suncoast (Car Park 3).
Only the first 20 men and first 20 women across the Amashova finish line on Sunday will be eligible to compete for a share of the R50 000 prize purse for the Dash for Cash Crit, setting the stage for an exciting showdown after the main Amashova race.