Your Race: Choose How You Want To Be Timed 

Hi ,

The over-riding sentiment from race organisers at the 2026 aQuellé Tour Durban in association with Cycle Lab is to produce a race "For the Riders" on 19th April.

The organising team have moved away from doing things "just because we always did it like that" and are striving to create a race "For the Riders, By the Riders" – or to put it another way, the organisers have listened and are implementing an event riders want.

After in-depth consultations with administrators and participants, the event has taken on something of a new look (see Event Schedule below) with three "races" making up the day's action – the final of the KZN Cycling Schools Road Series presented by aQuellé; the Recreational Ride for anybody who wants to enjoy the day on a bicycle; and the aQuellé Invitation Race and CSA National Inter-Club Challenge for those who want to race.

For many entrants, timing is a key issue in the Recreational Ride, and there has been some concern that this event "will not be timed." This is not correct: All riders will be able to upload their rides to Strava and prizes will be awarded for riders based on these times for 42km and 84km distances, as well as a "climbing" segment.

But there is more. The country's leading timing company, FinishTime, in conjunction with the event organisers, are offering a more formal timing option for the Recreational Ride. Participants who have a FinishTime timing board (as used, for example, at Cape Town Cycle Tour) can get an official time for 84km at the Recreational Ride. This time can be used for national seeding.

Riders who already possess a FinishTime timing board do not need to purchase a new one for this event. However, riders who do not have a FinishTime timing board, can purchase one which can then be used in cycling events timed by FinishTime, including The Cycle Tour. FinishTime will charge riders R50 for this timing service and new timing boards will cost R140, both payable when entering the event via EntryNinja or can be updated on your entry later. 

Recreational Riders who do not want a time from FinishTime, can opt to only upload their ride to Strava, or even choose not to be timed at all.

#YourRaceYourChoice

The focus on providing an event that gives riders what they want at the 2026 aQuellé Tour Durban in association with Cycle Lab has meant a new look for the day.

There are now three events taking place on Sunday, 19th April, and they cater for the weekend rider looking for a safe, fun and enjoyable event, as well as the "racer" trying to challenge themselves against the best – and everyone between

The three events are as follows: 

1) At 6am the day starts with the final of the KZN Cycling Schools Road Series presented by aQuellé. This is aimed at school children who have qualified from previous events in the series.

2) From 6.30am until 10.30am the Recreational Race targets anybody who wants to have some fun on a bicycle. For a low R300 entry fee, riders can ride as far as they want on a course with full road closure (you can ride 28km, or 84km, or more). All entrants will get full benefits of taking part in a well-organised, fully-supported event (see more below).

3) From 10.30am the "Chosen 300" will  take part in the aQuellé Invitation Race and CSA National Inter-Club Challenge. This offers 300 selected riders the opportunity for some serious lap racing as teams and solo competitors.

What do all entrants get?

For a R300 basic entry fee into the Recreational Race, riders will get an enjoyable, safe, well-organised event that fulfils our mandate to raise funds for the official beneficiary, The Domino Foundation.

Riders can expect significant value linked to their entry.

As in the past, the event will continue to have:
• full road closure;
• full on-course support, including all safety, medical and mechanical backup;
• five water points on the route with toilet facilities, food and drink;
• post-event drinks from aQuellé at the race village;
• an official, redesigned commemorative medal.

All pre-entered riders will receive at least:
• a pair of official event-branded cycling socks;
• a R150 voucher from Cycle Lab;
• other vouchers and giveaways from participating stores at Cornubia Mall.

Any rider entering during February (or earlier) will also get:
• an upgrade voucher for a bike service (base Service to full service) from Cycle Lab;
• entry into the Cycle Lab Early Bird draw for eight R500 gift vouchers.

NOTE:
* The Chosen 300 will also get extra goodie bags.
* Schools series riders are allowed to continue riding in the Recreational Ride after they have finished their 42km distance.