Few people have had the opportunity to shape a sporting event that would go on to become part of South Africa’s sporting heritage. Forty years ago, Dave Wiseman set out to create a cycling race that KwaZulu-Natal could proudly call its own. Inspired by the stature of the Comrades Marathon and the Dusi Canoe Marathon, he believed cycling deserved a signature event that would challenge riders, showcase the province and create a lasting legacy.

“Dave’s vision created something that has become part of South Africa’s sporting heritage.”

That vision became the Amashova National Classic, South Africa’s oldest classic road cycling race. As Amashova celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, Wiseman reflects on a lifetime dedicated to cycling and the remarkable journey of the race he helped create.

A Vision That Changed South African Cycling

Wiseman’s own cycling story began in 1970 after watching the South African Track Championships. What started as curiosity soon developed into a lifelong passion that shaped both his career and his life. Over the next five decades, he competed in both road and track cycling, specialising primarily in track racing, where he won numerous South African Track Championship titles and Grand Prix events. He later managed South African cycling teams, led the national team at the Barcelona Olympic Games, helped establish BMX and early triathlons in South Africa, and built one of KwaZulu-Natal’s best-known bicycle shops.

For Wiseman however, his greatest achievement has always been seeing other cyclists succeed. Through his bicycle shop he introduced countless young riders to the sport, many of whom went on to build successful cycling careers. Cycling also became a family way of life. His wife, Sally, worked alongside him in the business while their two children grew up immersed in the cycling community.

When plans for Amashova first began, turning the dream into reality was far from straightforward. The biggest hurdle was securing permission for extensive road closures and demonstrating that a race of this scale could be staged safely. Once that confidence had been established, the event continued to grow year after year into one of the country’s most recognised cycling events.

Today Wiseman believes the route remains one of the race’s greatest strengths. From the demanding climb up Fox Hill to the rolling roads through the Dardanelles, the famous Thousand Hills and the fast finish into Durban, the course offers a challenge that keeps riders returning year after year.

Still Riding, Still Inspiring

While Amashova has grown from a small regional event into one of South Africa’s premier cycling races, Wiseman believes its success has always been about more than numbers. “The challenge, the camaraderie and the friendships formed along the route are what make Amashova special. Riders return because they become part of something much bigger than a single race.”

This year’s event also marks a deeply personal milestone for Wiseman. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma that had spread to several parts of his body. Following treatment and immunotherapy, returning to the bicycle became one of his biggest personal victories. Riding the 106km race during Amashova’s 40th anniversary represents resilience, determination and a celebration of life.

Amashova Race Director Annie Batchelder says Wiseman’s contribution to cycling extends well beyond founding the event. “Dave’s vision created something that has become part of South Africa’s sporting heritage. For four decades, Amashova has inspired generations of cyclists and none of that would have been possible without the passion and commitment he showed from the very beginning.”

As riders prepare to line up for another edition of the race, Wiseman hopes they embrace every kilometre and enjoy the experience. Four decades after helping launch the inaugural event, he remains as passionate about cycling as ever. His story is not simply about creating a race. It is about creating opportunities, building a cycling community and leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire every rider who takes on the journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

As Amashova turns 40, the message remains the same: this is more than a finish line it is a legacy on two wheels. Online entries are open via www.shova.co.za

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