Race Information
Dates for pre-entries closing are still to be finalised. There will be three registration and late-entry sessions over two days for all the cycling events. All registration for all riders in all events will be at Cycle Lab Cornubia on Friday, April 25th, and Saturday, April 26th.
All cyclists’ race packs must be collected from registration. There will be no race packs at the start of the cycling events.
Race Entries for seeding will close strictly at 10am on Tuesday 22 April, 2025. Thereafter late entries only at registration.
NOTE: There are no registrations at the race starts for the cycling events.
PROVISIONAL DATES AND TIMES
REGISTRATION 1
(MTB changes & Road)
Friday
9.00am to 5.00pm
Cycle Lab, Cornubia
REGISTRATION 2
(MTB changes & Road)
Saturday
9.00am to 3.00pm
Cycle Lab, Cornubia
Event partners, Tsogo Sun, are offering discounts for hotel accommodation at the Suncoast Hotel and Towers for the race weekend. To take advantage of their discounted rates, click here and follow the booking procedures by choosing number of guests, check in and check out dates and then your preferred room. Then click “Book Now” and add your details and make payment. The discount will be applied automatically.
Cycling pre-entries will close strictly at 10am on Tuesday 22 April, 2025. Thereafter late entries will only be taken at registration.
Late entries will be taken at registration and late entries will be added to the last batch.
The road races will start and finish outside the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
For the road race there is ample, safe parking at Suncoast. The start is a very short ride from the Suncoast car park, and once riders complete the course, they will be able to enjoy the finish area near the Kings Park Swimming Pool with vendors and grassy areas for relaxation.
There is plenty of parking at Cornubia for registration.
There will be full road closure for all road races.
Sunday April 26th
From 3.30am until 1pm
(Note: some roads will be opened earlier depending on race conditions)
Masabala Yengwa Avenue:
Southbound lane from Kings Park to Sandile Thusi Road.
Isaiah Ntshangase Road:
Closed in both directions from Masabala Yengwa Avenue to Ruth First Highway.
Ruth First Highway (M4):
Closed in both directions from Sandile Thusi Road to Umdloti.
M41:
Closed in both directions from M4 to Ridgeside Drive.
Ridgeside Drive:
Northbound between offramp from M41 and onramp to M41.
Sandile Thusi Road:
Westbound lane closed from Ruth First Highway to Masabala Yengwa Avenue.
Battery Beach Road:
Closed in swimming pool area and no access to or from Masabala Yengwa Avenue.
The aQuellé Tour Durban will be timed by Spectrum Sport timing. All riders in all events will be given a race number and timing chip at registration. Any disputes must be tabled not later than 30mins after finishing to the CSA officials situated at the finish line. Payment of R100 is required and is refundable once the dispute has been clarified. No results will be added after the event.
All cycling entries received on or before March 13 will get an official race shirt in the size ordered when entering (we cannot swap shirt sizes). All entries received after this date will get a shirt on a first-come-first-serve basis according to entry order while available (2 000 shirts in total), and sizes are not guaranteed.
Trail run entries do not include a shirt, but can order an event shirt when entering.
Disabled cyclists requiring special vehicle access to the Start area will require an Access Pass. Please contact Alec Lenferna at director@realem.co.za to arrange an Access Pass.
All batching and start times will be confirmed prior to registration, after online entries have closed.
All entrants will receive a SMS on Thursday, 24 April with batch details and start times.
Note: Final batch and start times dependent on entry numbers and traffic authority – do not expect to know your batching until after online entries have closed. All riders will received final race instruction on Thursday before the race weekend.
PROVISIONAL START TIMES:
Road Races: From 6.15am (Sunday)
Strictly no starting in an earlier batch. Starting in an earlier batch will result in disqualification.
No late arrivals will be allowed onto the route and any cyclist without an official race number will be removed.
PLEASE NOTE: Cyclists riding without race numbers will not have access to Medical Services provided by the race organisers.
Road riders are reminded to be aware that road closures may impact access roads to the start areas. Riders are reminded to check road closures so as to plan your route to the start and to ensure you leave enough time to accommodate any delays and detours.
Seeding will be done based on recent race results.
MTB 10km: All ages (under 8 to be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
MTB 20km: 8 years
MTB 40km: 15 years
Road 28km: 8 years
Road 42km: 10 years
Road 68km: 13 years
Road 110km: 16 years
It is important that every riders knows and understands how the cut-off times work on race day. To ensure your safety and the smooth operation of the road closure management plan, these cut-off times will be strictly enforced. In reality they will not be an issue for any riders that has done the training, but to be sure that everyone is aware, cut-off times will need to be enforced. Cut off times for the different routes will be displayed on the respective route pages on this website once they are finalised.
For the road race, it is suggested that all entrants park at the Sun Coast Casino complex and take a short 200m ride to the start area which will be on front of Moses Mbhida. The parking area is accessible from Snell Parade and the start chutes will be accessible only from the Snell Parade side to avoid congestion at the start line. Parking is free before 8am and after that by showing your official race number at the entrance. All parking strictly at owners’ risk.
Sweeps will be following all routes to assist all riders on the road and will be in contact with the operations centre at all times to ensure everyone’s safety. Should you not be able to continue riding, you can get a lift with the sweep vehicle or preferably, stop at one of the watering tables and you can leave your bike there if necessary.
Medals will be handed out to all participants along with aQuellé race drinks at the finish line after completing the race.
There will be a number of water tables on route that will provide hydration and some snacks. Riders are requested to ensure that they ride with a water bottle as well. If you want any refreshments at the stations, please slow down and stop. Trying to take on refreshments while riding is a hazard to your fellow cyclists and is not permitted. The water table positions will be confirmed and communicated closer to the event. Strictly no on-course seconding for riders is permitted.
EMRS have a full medical setup in place throughout the route. Emergency numbers will be on your race numbers in case you need to contact anyone.
Marshals on the route are there to manage traffic and not to direct you. Please be courteous and obey instructions. Police will be in attendance and cyclists must obey any instructions and give them right of way should they need access to the route.
Echelon Bike Transport is offering professional bike transport from Gauteng to the 2025 aQuellé Tour Durban.
The Echelon team are cyclists, so they know how important your ride is to you and that is why they take the most care when transporting your bicycle. With Echelon you can have peace of mind and be assured your precious ride is in good hands.
Echelon have multiple convenient drop-off points or you can book their door-to-door service. Your bike will then be transported to the aQuellé Tour Durban and you will be kept up to date on where the precious cargo is. Collect your bike, race and return it, and Echelon will safely transport it it back after the race.
To book your bike transport from Gauteng to Durban, CLICK HERE or go to www.echelonbiketrans.co.za.
For more info contact Echelon via mobile or WhatsApp on 27 61 565 0231 or email bookings@echelonbiketrans.co.za
There will once again be mechanical support for all riders provided by a local cycling retailer. Should you receive assistance and any spares from the team on the road, you will be invoiced by the retailer after the event.
We request that tandems and E-Bikes respect the other riders in the race and do not interfere or disrupt the single bicycle’s race> E-Bikes will not be seeded in the A batches.
For the road race, a new finish village has been created either side of the walkway under the M4, just a few metres after the finish line. Riders and their supporters are encouraged to join aQuellé and the other sponsors, as well as a variety of vendors as you show off your medal and celebrate your finish. Clubs entering a team can put a small gazebo and bring your club mates for the after-party.