Anriette Clinches ‘Shova Dash

Anriette Schoeman takes a clear win in the women’s race at the Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova in Durban on Sunday. Behind Schoeman (from left) are Yolandi du Toit (fourth), Lynette Burger (second) and Marissa van der Merwe (third). Photo credit: SteveYelseth.com

The 21st Anniversary edition of the 106km Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova National Classic cycle race came down to a bunch sprint, which Anriette Schoeman (Proline) out-galloping her rivals to secure her fourth win in the event, matching the record set by Wilma van Niekerk Daniel in the 1980s and ‘90s.

The top four ladies all recorded the same finishing time, but the race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban seldom livened up much, mostly due to the stiff easterly wind and a forgiving route that starts at 600m above sea level and ends at the coast.

Up-and-coming Robyn de Groot’s efforts in winning the race’s first Queen of the Mountain title counted against her in the end, as she failed to make the top five finishers, and the steadfast Schoeman’s talent for keeping her nose in the front earned her the second majestic title on offer.

Schoeman clocked 03:00:47 in a race that saw all potential aggression curbed by the relentless coastal wind. The lead group was gradually whittled down over the first two-thirds of the race. with just 12 riders tackling the final 35km.

Lynette Burger (Cycle Lab Supercycling) finished second with Marissa van der Merwe (Proline) collecting the final podium place. Yolandi du Toit (Konica Minolta) and Lizanne Naude (Cbist) were fourth and fifth respectively.

The Elite Women’s podium at the Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova on Sunday comprised (from left) Marissa van der Merwe (third), Anriette Schoeman (first) and Lynette Burger (second). Photo credit: SteveYelseth.com