What began almost four decades ago as a tribute to cycling and camaraderie has evolved into a premier fixture on South Africa’s sporting calendar. The Amashova National Classic returns for its 39^th edition with an exciting new race date in 2025 set for Sunday, 20^th July 2025. Renowned for its mild and inviting climate over the winter months of May to July, the new timing of this popular race in KZN will undoubtedly increase the appetite for cyclists to experience the legendary route in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) that retraces the footsteps of the iconic Comrades Marathon.

“We are really excited about the new date on 20 July that we have confirmed for 2025 and we have already seen an uptake in early bird entries with a lot of these being from out of the province. In 2024 we introduced a 132km route, beginning at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick which will be taking place again this year. It’s a meaningful and symbolic start location that elevates the event’s sense of purpose and place. The Amashova has always had a wonderful humanitarian and community upliftment spirit to the race with a huge number of our riders racing for a cause, so this additional route and starting point couldn’t be more fitting. We believe this extended challenge, adds a bold new dimension to the race,” explains Annie Batchelder, Amashova’s Race Director.

Steeped in history and fuelled by community spirit, the Amashova is South Africa’s oldest classic cycling race. Supported by the uMngeni, Msunduzi, and eThekwini municipalities, the event provides an exclusive opportunity to ride uninterrupted with full road closure from Howick to Durban through one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions. With a finish line framed by Durban’s urban coastline and a start for the 106km race steeped in cultural significance at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall hall, the event bridges the past and present while successfully connecting two major cities in KZN with every pedal stroke.

Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or making memories with friends and family, the Amashova is more than a race—it’s a ride through heritage, hills, and heart.

Facts you need to know about the 2025 Amashova Race:

• Online entries opened: February 2025
• Online entries close: Wednesday, 25^th June 2025 at 17:00
• CSA license: Required for events over 20km (Day license available online for R50)
• Minimum ages: 132km – 16 years | 106km – 14 years | 65km – 12 years

| 38km – 10 years

Late entries and number collection:

• • Friday, 18 July | Nelson Mandela Capture Site | 09:00 – 15:30
  • Saturday, 19 July | Tsogo Globe, Suncoast, Durban | 09:00 – 16:00

 

To enter or find out more about this year’s race on 20^th July 2025, visit www.shova.co.za