Fox Hill opens the race, but the Valley of a Thousand Hills decides what reaches Durban
A point-to-point road classic from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, now in its 40th year. The route climbs Alexander Road out of the city up Fox Hill toward Thornville, then rolls through Cato Ridge and Harrisons Flats into the Valley of a Thousand Hills, passing the Comrades Marathon Wall of Honour before a fast run down Botha's Hill and Fields Hill into greater Durban. The 14km Alexander Road/Fox Hill climb inside the first third of the race — the main sustained effort on an otherwise rolling-to-fast course, with the Valley of a Thousand Hills adding a long undulating middle section before the Botha's Hill and Fields Hill descents into Durban.
For the rider with a full calendar and four to six hours a week, this twelve-week plan directs limited training time toward climbing economy, rolling-road speed, positioning, and fatigue-resistant power, with one purposeful longer ride each week.
INSIDE THE TIME-CRUNCHED PLAN — 4–6 HR/WK
Includes zone-tailored structured rides for your devices, built-in strength with video walkthroughs, heat protocols for when your race calls for them, peloton skills workouts, and nutrition and hydration guidance.
The Complete Amashova National Classic Guide — the training, the tactics, the gear and race day, explained simply and clearly: what to do, when to do it, and why it works.
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Hey, I'm Matti. I spent 11 years at TrainingPeaks, where they trusted me to teach coaches how to coach at TrainingPeaks University. I raced Amateur Elite with Rio Grande Cycling Team and podiumed my age group at Unbound 200 in 2026. I have a degree in biology and exercise physiology from St. Olaf. I'm also a middle-aged dad of three, so I know training doesn't happen in a vacuum. I help gravel riders get stupidly fast without becoming the person who brings a food scale to a party