Gravel racing is about to enter a bold new era with the arrival of the Nedbank Gravel Burn, a seven-day, 850km stage race set to redefine the sport.

• Launched at WeWork in Sandton this week, this monumental event will take place from 26 October to 1 November 2025.
• The event carves a route through some of South Africa’s most dramatic and untamed landscapes.
• With a staggering $150,000 prize purse, the largest in gravel racing history, the Nedbank Gravel Burn is set to make an immediate impact on the global stage.
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The journey begins in Knysna, the jewel of the Garden Route, and moves inland through the Great Karoo, a region known for its rugged beauty and historical depth. Riders will traverse mountain passes, wind through semi-desert landscapes, and eventually reach the iconic town of Graaff-Reinet before the final push towards the African bushveld. The race culminates in spectacular fashion at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

What sets the Nedbank Gravel Burn apart from other races is not only the breathtakingly diverse scenery but also the experience that awaits riders beyond the daily grind of the course. Burn Camps provide a respite from the day’s relentless pace, offering an immersive experience of local flavours, traditions, and stories.

The combination of world-class race production, extensive international media coverage, and the sheer scale of the challenge will attract top professional and amateur riders alike. Completing all seven stages is an achievement in itself, and riders can count on the event organisers to ensure they can focus entirely on the journey. With every essential covered, from tent setups and bike maintenance to nutrition and logistics, participants can push their limits while soaking in every moment of the race and its surroundings.

Kevin Vermaak, the founder of Gravel Burn, sees the event as the next evolution of stage racing. Drawing from years of experience in multi-day racing, he believes that applying those lessons to the fast-growing discipline of gravel racing creates an entirely new kind of challenge. Kevin envisions an event that not only tests riders to their limits but also showcases South Africa’s landscapes in a way never seen before in gravel racing.

This is more than just a competition; it is a journey through time and nature. The race route passes through areas rich in history, from ancient trails once roamed by dinosaurs to battlefields that shaped the country’s past. The vast Karoo sky, one of the darkest in the world, provides a backdrop of endless stars as riders wind down each day, fully immersed in the experience of the land they traverse. Every element of the event has been designed to offer something beyond the ride itself, making it a truly holistic adventure.

The start list for the Nedbank Gravel Burn will feature a mix of professional road cyclists, gravel specialists, mountain bikers, cyclocross racers, and track riders, all competing for the honour of claiming the inaugural title.

To participate in this experience, riders can secure an all-inclusive entry package, which ensures they have everything they need to focus solely on the race. The cost for international riders is $3’290 (USD), while South African riders can enter for R45’990. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation in Burn Camps, where each rider has their own canvas tent with a bed, mattress, charging facilities, and seating. Meals are carefully curated to highlight local Karoo cuisine, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. Race essentials such as full route support, medical services, technical assistance, and bike wash stations are all included, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. The final night will see riders celebrate their journey at the Burn celebration party at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, marking the end of an unforgettable week.

As the countdown to 26 October 2025 begins, the world of gravel racing watches with anticipation, knowing that something special is about to unfold on Africa’s most Southern tip.

For more information or to enter the 2025 Nedbank Gravel Burn, visit the official website.

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