Riders make a final push for the finish line at the Amashova Classic.
Ryan Gibbons and S'annara Grove produced commanding rides to win the men's and women's elite titles, respectively, as the aQuellé Amashova Durban Classic celebrated its milestone 40th edition on Sunday.
The flagship 106km race, which runs from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to the Masabalala Yengwa Pedestrian Bridge in Durban, attracted thousands of cyclists in near-perfect winter conditions after recent editions had been hampered by poor weather.
For former professional cyclist Gibbons was particularly sweet as he finally ticked off one of the biggest races on the South African calendar after returning home from Europe. He took the victory victory in a time of 2:12:11, ahead of Gustav Basson in second in 2:13:24, with Casper Kruger riounding off the podium in 2:13:46.
"It's very special. Amashova is one of the biggest events of the year and, being the 40th edition, to stand on the top step of the podium was a massive goal," Gibbons said.
