SIMON PELLAUD SET FOR REVENGE
After just falling short of 1st in 2025, Simon Pellaud is taking this year to push himself in preparation to top the podium in NGB 2026.
THE PIPER WHO RODE
A tradition carried from the Cape Epic, waking the riders with bagpipes. Only this time the Piper rides with them, and he returns for 2026.
BLOG #15PATIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE
The path taken to create Nedbank Gravel Burn was certainly the road less travelled, but that was the whole point. Through it all and with lessons learnt, the journey has been worthwhile and we are just beginning.
ENTRIES ARE OPEN
Sign up for Edition #2 of Nedbank Gravel Burn — the 7-day, 750km gravel race across the Great Karoo.
DUBAU-PREVOT TAKES OVERALL 2O25 WIN
In an extraordinary performance, Axelle Dubau-Prevot wins Stage 7 and in turn, the Nedbank Gravel Burn, after rocketing up from 5th in the GC.
BEERS WINS NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN 2O25
Matthew Beers wins GC at the inaugural edition of the race with a commanding performance on a dramatic Stage 7.
7 DAYS | 75OKMPURE SOUTH AFRICAN GRAVEL
- 7 days
- 750km
- 8,500m climbing
- 25 – 31 October 2026
- Eastern Cape
Entries for Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026 are open.
After clicking ENTER NOW, select whether you’re entering as a South African / Namibian rider, or as an international rider.
THE START
Graaff Reinet marks the start of the 2026 race. Riders from all over the world gather in South Africa’s fourth oldest town before heading through the Great Karoo, kicking off a dramatic week of contrasting vistas.
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 – in a moment we sense that we are in wildlife country. It’s primal. While there’s a certain sense of pride after racing for 7 days and 750km on a gravel bike, the king of the jungle is sure to keep us in check.
AS IT HAPPENED
Review the race, read the stories, watch the highlights, check out the photos and check out the results, all on our live page.
ENTRY PACKAGE
ALL-INCLUSIVE
FULL-SERVICE
For all the details on the entry package, what’s included, plus optional extras, click below.
WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE
We are collaborating with Trail Angels (South Africa's largest women's cycling club) supporting women riders in the lead-up training and preparation plus on the ground care, encouragement and presence when and where it matters most.
FIND OUT MORE
SAVE THE DATE:
25-31 OCTOBER 2O26
Mark your calendar for Nedbank Gravel Burn’s second edition!
Sign up for our newsletter for news, updates and stories.
BURNING QUESTIONS?
FIRESTARTER EVENINGS
We love meeting face to face and sharing all the details about Nedbank Gravel Burn. Thats why we host events throughout South Africa and Europe! Firestarter events give riders a chance to connect with us and to ask any questions about the race.
Unfortunately this round of Firestarters are officially done and dusted.
Stay tuned for the next round by signing up for our newsletter or sending us an email if you have any questions.
GET THE SCOOP
STORIES
The Piper Who Rode
A tradition carried from the Cape Epic, waking the riders with bagpipes. Only this time the Piper rides with them, and he returns for 2026.
Simon Pellaud Set For Revenge Return To The Race After Breakthrough Season
After just falling short of 1st in 2025, Simon Pellaud is taking this year to push himself in preparation to top the podium in NGB
Ziandro Jordaan: “No Matter What”
Ziandro Jordaan has made a name for himself in bike racing over the last decade and now he is ready to test his mettle at
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 the Cape Epic – 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 expeditions in the Swiss Alps. Read about Kevin’s next 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.
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 page too.
Information on the stage distances and climbing for the 2026 route may be found HERE. The seven stages vary between 90 and 140km long. 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.
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a solo race. Riders wishing to compete for prize money must enter the Pro category. Age Group riders 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.
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 exited in 2022. Kevin launched the Nedbank Gravel Burn in July 2024 and is working with some members of the team with whom he originally built the Cape Epic.
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
SIGN UP NOW
Stay up to date on all things Nedbank Gravel Burn, from hot-off-the-press news to updates and optional extras, as soon as they become available.