On Sunday, 16th of October 2016, KwaZulu-Natal’s largest cycling event took place in Durban and with the sun out – the province really got to show off to its visitors. Cyclists from Poland, Australia, America, the UK, various parts of Africa and all over South Africa competed in the historic 30th Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic Race. The “Road of Champions” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban was closed to ensure the safe passage of almost 10 000 riders riding in the 35km, 65km and challenging 106km routes, all finishing at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Men’s overall winner, Nolan Hoffman.
What was a hotly contested race, between the top competing teams resulted in nail-biting finishes for the both the men’s and ladies categories with race favourite Nolan Hoffman clinching the victory for the overall men’s category and Kim Le Court from Mauritius claiming the women’s overall title and prize-money. The now five times Amashova champion and Franschhoek resident, Nolan Hoffman, was split seconds ahead of his rivals completing the 106km course in just 2hours 21minutes and 25 seconds.
“The conditions were perfect today and I felt strong the whole way through the race. I’m delighted with my performance and I always enjoy this race. A big congrats to the other cyclists and I’m grateful for the support of my fellow Telkom teammates and my beautiful wife. Thanks to the race organisers, Tsogo Sun sponsors and all the crowds that came out to support us today,” stated Hoffman.
KZN crowds joined elated cyclists at the picturesque Suncoast Hotel lawns to celebrate another successful edition of the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic. Elite Women Category winner, Le Court, enthused that it had been great race with a sprint to the finish. “The competition was tough this year and I’m delighted to have won. I saw the opportunity at the end to race for the line and I took it”, said Le Court representing team Time Freight Express.
Women’s overall winner, Kim Le Court.
Congratulating the cyclists who completed the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic, Neil Fraser, Group Director of Sales for Tsogo Sun, said, “There was a tangible spirit in the air at this year’s Amashova, and Tsogo Sun is incredibly proud to have been part of a race with such great heritage and soul for the last three years. Congratulations to all the cyclists who took part in this much-loved race, and to the organisers for growing it into one of the largest cycle races in the country over the last three decades. We look forward to another three years of sponsorship of the Tsogo Sun Amashova.”
Amashova Race Director, Annie Batchelder, concluded, “Congrats to this year’s winners – it was such an exciting race and finish and I am also so grateful to all the cyclists who rode again this year. Thanks to my amazing team and to our headline sponsor, Tsogo Sun, who always add such value to the race and are continuing as headline sponsors to help grow the race over the next three years. It is always such a privilege to be able to showcase our beautiful city to the world and prove that we have the ability to stage world-class sporting events here. Unfortunately, Former South African Footballer, Neil Tovey suffered a heart attack during the race and on behalf of everyone at Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic we would like to wish Neil a speedy recovery.”
Nolan Hoffman and Kim Le Court.
The final results are as follows:
Men’s Overall:
1. Nolan Hoffman – 2:21:25
2. Tyler Day – 2:21:25
3. Willie Smit – 2:21:25
4. Reynard Butler – 2:21:26
5. Thando Zothe – 2:21:26
6. Neil Robinson – 2:21:26
7. Bernhard Esterhuizen – 2:21:26
8. Calvin Beneke – 2:21:26
9. Phillimon Sebona – 2:21:26
10. Thokhozani Mahlangu – 2:21:26
Men’s Elite:
1. Nolan Hoffman – 2:21:25
2. Tyler Day – 2:21:25
3. Willie Smit – 2:21:25
U23 Men:
1. Neil Robinson – 2:21:26
2. George Perrins – 2:21:26
3. Graeme Ockhuis – 2:21:27
Junior Men:
(TBC)
Junior U16 Men:
1. Rickardo Broxham – 2:52:26
2. Lian Aucamp – 2:52:40
3. Callum Osborne – 2:52:41
Vets Men 30– 39:
1. Deno van Heerde – 2:37:11
2. Matthys Koekemoer – 2:37:11
3. Mike Hewan – 2:37:11
Vets Men 40– 49:
1. Samuel De Swardt – 2:35:51
2. Trevor Davies – 2:35:54
3. Austin Steyn – 2:35:54
Vets Men 50-59:
1. Anton Duvenhage – 2:42:08
2. Mark Beneke – 2:42:08
3. Colin Germs – 2:42:09
Vets Men 60+:
1. Paul Furbank
2. Tim Oglesby
3. Alec Brough
Ladies Overall:
1. Kim Le Court – 2:57:28
2. An-li Kackelhoffer – 2:57:28
3. Vera Adrian – 2:57:29
4. Desray Sebregts – 2:57:30
5. Jo van de Winkel – 2:57:30
Ladies Elite:
1. Kim Le Court – 2:57:28
2. An-li Kackelhoffer – 2:57:28
3. Vera Adrian – 2:57:29
Junior Ladies:
1. Danielle Strydon – 3:04:41
2. Elne Owen – 3:06:43
3. Chane Jonker – 3:12:47
Vets ladies 30+:
1. Desray Sebregts – 2:57:30
2. Jo van De Winkel – 2:57:30
3. Alma Colyn – 2:58:10
Vets ladies 40+:
1. Vivien Sa Joe – 3:04:48
2. Rebecca van der Linde – 3:12:55
3. Joanite De Mendonca – 3:17:14
Tandem Overall:
1.Jay Spendley & Werner Roux – 2:35:50
2. Craig Kingham & Darren Constantinou – 2:36:02
3. Rohan Kennedy & Les Penny – 2:49:42
Tandem mixed:
1. Piet Laubscher & Zanri Rossouw
2. Stephen & Debbie Carse
3. Conray & Ansa Ras
For further information and extended results, please log on to www.shova.co.za.
Vets Men 40-49 FASTER than Vets Men 30-39 ?