NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN
A NEW ERA OF CYCLING BEGINS
A landmark five-year partnership with Nedbank as our Title Sponsor, officially naming the event ‘Nedbank Gravel Burn’, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our seven-day, 800km stage race.
FROM LOGISTICS TO LEGACY
BUILDING FOR IMPACT THAT GOES BEYOND THE RACE
We were resolute – Nedbank Gravel Burn is to be more than just another race. It is an opportunity to spotlight often-overlooked regions and to ensure that the race’s impact extends far beyond a single week in October.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Our Entry Package includes all you’ll need for a memorable experience. We also offer post-race Shamwari Safari Packages, motorhome options, pre-race accommodation and more. New optional extras are now available – check out by clicking below.
PRIMING THE ENGINE
HOW TO FUEL FOR SEVEN DAYS OF GRAVEL RACING: PART 1
In a sport where marginal gains define podium places, nutrition science has accelerated significantly in the last decade – moving from instinct to insight. Sifting facts from hype are Amacx, our Official Nutrition Partner – here’s Part 1 of a guide to fueling right.
KAROO NIGHTS
After each day of endeavour there’s a night of wonder and culture. Riders sample the local fare, forging friendships over fireside celebrations.
JACKSON READY TO RACE
PARIS-ROUBAIX WINNER CONFIRMED FOR THE INAUGURAL EDITION
Alison Jackson adds firepower to the women’s field, The Canadian rider is renowned for her tenacity and flair, and we look forward to seeing her line up in Knysna in October, ready to go toe-to-toe with the world’s elite riders.
7 DAYS | 8OOKMPURE SOUTH AFRICAN GRAVEL
- 7 days
- 800km
- 11,000m climbing
- 26 Oct – 1 Nov 2025
- Western Cape & Eastern Cape
THE START
Knysna marks the start and sets the theme – a week of contrasting vistas. We head north east through lush, indigenous forests and there’s a particular corner along the route, you’ll know it when you see it, where everything changes.
THE HEART
The vast, arid Great Karoo semi-desert landscapes – an open treasure chest of geography, geology, history, astronomy and biology, and the lessons they teach us. This is a place where life clings to the edges and the hardiest creatures thrive.
THE FINISH
The horizon shifts again and in a moment we sense that we’re now in wildlife country. It’s primal. While there’s a certain sense of pride after racing for 7 days and 800km on a gravel bike, the king of the jungle is sure to keep us in check.
PACKAGES
ALL-INCLUSIVE
FULL-SERVICE
For all the details on entry packages, what’s included, plus optional extras and add-ons, click below.
2025 ENTRIES ARE SOLD OUT
- To join the waiting list for 2025 the fee is ZAR 150 / USD 10 – this fee is donated to VULPRO our Charity Partner.
- Should you not secure an entry for 2025, you will be guaranteed access to our Ember Entries 2026 (priority entry program) phase.
- If you are selected from the waiting list for an invitation, you have 72 hours to confirm your entry and complete the substitution with the rider dropping out directly.
- Should you not accept your invite within this time, the entry will be offered to the next person on the waiting list. You will forfeit your early access to our Ember Entries 2026 phase.
- Riders who decline invites sent after 1 August will not forfeit guaranteed early access to our Ember Entries 2026 phase.
- If you are a professional rider and would like to participate, please get in touch with us HERE
25-31 OCTOBER 2026
Mark your calendar for Nedbank Gravel Burn’s second edition!
Entries open early February 2026. Sign up for our newsletter for news, updates and the latest entry info.
GET THE SCOOP
OUR STORIES
Priming the engine – how to fuel for seven days of gravel racing: part 1
In a sport where marginal gains define podium places and write names into history books, nutrition science has accelerated significantly in the last decade –
From logistics to legacy – building an event that goes beyond racing
When the Nedbank Gravel Burn was first conceived, it was always intended to be more than just another cycling stage race. Founder Kevin Vermaak was
Paris–Roubaix winner confirmed for Nedbank Gravel Burn’s Pro category line-up
Alison Jackson adds firepower to the women’s field for the inaugural 7-day race across South Africa. As the Pro field takes shape, the participation of
BURN CAMPS
UNPLUG AND CONNECT
Karoo days are about challenging terrain and fiercely fought racing. Karoo nights are the antidote. At the end of the day’s endeavours, riders experience a full immersion into the unique hospitality, culture, local flavours and aromas, and the hidden secrets of the land in this special part of the world. When the sun sets on Burn Camp, something extraordinary ignites. Nedbank Gravel Burn is a new way of exploring the limits and connecting with the people and the land we navigate.
FOUNDER'S BLOG
KEVIN VERMAAK
20 years ago, Kevin Vermaak founded what is now widely regarded as one of the world’s premiere mountain bike races. During a 2-year sabbatical after selling the event, he was inspired by his gravel bike exceptions in the Swiss Alps. Read about Kevin’s new venture, Nedbank Gravel Burn, in his own words.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not able to attend one of our Firestarter evenings?
Have a read here, chances are that your burning questions have been answered already.
The Cape Epic and the Nedbank Gravel Burn were both founded by Kevin Vermaak. After selling the Cape Epic to The Ironman Group in 2017 – staying on in a consulting capacity – Kevin finally exited in 2022. After his non-compete ended Kevin launched the Nedbank Gravel Burn and is working with some members of the team with whom he originally built the Cape Epic.
2025 entries are sold out. For a chance at joiing us at our inaugural event, join the waiting list. You’ll find all the info you need on pricing on our all-inclusive package here – Entry Packages page. Be sure to also visit our Optional Extras and Add-Ons page too.
The queen stage is 142km long and all the other stages vary between 80 and 140km. Each stage has its own unique character.
We have designed a pure gravel route that is ideally suited for a classic gravel bike (off-road tyres to handle terrain and with drop bars for speed). When we all ride gravel bikes, it levels the playing field and makes it more enjoyable when riding in groups. Trust us, the route is pure gravel heaven, and you’ll want the perfect tool for the job. And wide, straight MTB-style handlebars are perhaps a little less safe when riding at speed amongst drop-bar bikes in a peloton.
The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a solo race. Riders wishing to compete for prize money must enter the Open (Racing) category. Amateurs compete for the leader jersey in their respective age-group categories: 19 – 34 years, then in 5-year increments starting from age 35).
Before we reach Shamwari Private Game Reserve, whenever our gravel roads traverse land with dangerous animals, there will be a game fence between us and the animals. On the final stage into Shamwari, there is a comprehensive safety plan for managing the riders’ safety. Shamwari employs the largest team of qualified game rangers in all of South Africa and they will ensure the safety of all our riders on this final short section through Big 5 territory.
WHO IS GRAVEL BURN?
THE TEAM
It’s as much 'What is Nedbank Gravel Burn?’ as it is 'Who is Nedbank Gravel Burn?’ Meet the team of seasoned eventing experts, some of whom have worked together for almost two decades. Add it up and that's almost a century of race innovation.
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR GROWING TEAM?
NEWSLETTER
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