Just 10 days to the biggest cycling event in KZN! The Pick 'n Pay Amashovashova National Classic has once again attracted a massive field of riders from across South Africa and beyond, and the region will be brimming with cyclists and their families over the next week or so.
Conservative estimates indicate that the race brings in R30 million into the greater KZN economy, as thousands of riders and their families book into accommodation and spend liberally on the many attractions that KZN in early summer has to offer. The race is hugely popular among the cycling fraternity with around 60% of the competitors coming from Gauteng to enjoy the point-to-point course, and the unique history of the road that also hosts the Comrades marathon every year.
Critical to the safety and enjoyment of the event is the total closure of the roads, which has been unconditionally granted and fully supported by the Road Traffic Inspectorate.
The race organisers have, however, gone to great lengths to make changes that have greatly reduced the possibility of inconvenience to local residents and businesses on race day. The race has been moved forward one week so that it does not interfere with month end. Following on from the decision two years ago not to route the main race through central Hillcrest, the race bypasses central Pinetown as well, and instead of using Old Main Road through Pinetown and Cowies Hill, it will stay on the M13.
The east-bound (or Durban bound) lanes of the M13 from the Kassier Road turnoff at Shongweni will be used for the race, and this will be closed to traffic.
The re-opening of the roads will be done as quickly as possible, once the various cut-off times have been enforced. All road closure detail is available at www.shova.co.za
The stage is set for a thrilling spectacle as more than 7 500 riders ride the Road of Champions and enjoy the special attractions and hospitality of KwaZulu-Natal - and the event entrenches the Zulu Kingdom's reputation as the sporting capital of South Africa.
The race will be televised live on SABC 2 from 06h00 to 11h00 on race day for the first time and organisers are confident that this will be a huge boost for the marketing of the event and the region as a whole.
Spectators are encouraged to support the thousands of cyclists on the route.
“As eventors we have a big responsibility on the road to 2010” said Annie Batchelder, chairman of the organising committee.
“Millions of eyes will be on the event this year which celebrates it’s 20th anniversary – we are confident that we will have the best Amashova ever!” she said.
The 5km Pick ‘n Pay Mini Shova for kids between the ages of 6 and 11 takes place on Saturday 21 October and the 1km event for kids between 3 and 6 will start at 09h30. The 106km race starts at 06h20 on October 22 and the 40km event from the Pick ‘n Pay in Hillcrest to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World starts at 06h30.
Late entries will be accepted subject to a late entry fee on October 19, 20 and 21 at the Expo at the Suncoast Casino.
For further information please go to www.shova.co.za
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