Edition #2 of Nedbank Gravel Burn sees a Teams Classification introduced to the seven-day, 750km gravel stage race. This is the first major gravel stage race in the world to introduce a formalised team competition with scored standings and tangible rewards.
The Teams Classification adds an extra layer to a highly competitive category in cycling. It is a natural evolution, as the professionalisation of gravel racing, the level of competition and the stakes increase. Now, with new incentives, teams have an opportunity to be recognised for their already considerable investment.
Among the first professional teams confirmed is Scott SRAM – the most decorated mountain bike team in the sport’s history. Team manager Thomas Frischknecht, who has been involved in shaping the Teams Classification format from the outset (and himself a winner of his Age Group category at the 2025 race), will bring a squad led by Olympic and ten-time XCO world champion Nino Schurter.
Another early confirmation is South African road team backed by 36ONE Asset Management, specially formed for the race and featuring the country’s top road talent: Ryan Gibbons – Continental Road Champion, 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour winner and former UCI World Tour rider; Kent Main – 2024 Cape Town Cycle Tour winner; Blaine Kieck – current South African Elite Champion; and Warren Moolman – 2025 South African U23 Champion.
Ryan Gibbons, riding for Team UAE.
In early behind-the-scenes discussions with gravel, road and mountain biking teams, race founder Kevin Vermaak was encouraged by the support of the idea of the Teams Classification. “The response was overwhelmingly positive from the start. This innovation provides another dimension to the racing and also rewards the riders’ efforts and the teams’ investment.” The format has been developed in collaboration with leading figures including professional gravel racing pioneer Pete Stetina, Canyon x DT Swiss team and Adam Hansen, president of the CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associés – international association of professional cyclists), all of whom participated in last year’s inaugural edition of Nedbank Gravel Burn.
Pete Stetina before starting Nedbank Gravel Burn 2025.
The solo race remains the foundation of Nedbank Gravel Burn, with the USD150,000 prize purse awarded exclusively to individual riders, equally split between the Pro Men and Pro Women categories. Teams will consist of four riders and the top three riders from each team contribute to the daily standings. The Teams Classification will be integrated into the final podium ceremony at the Burn Celebration at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Privateers – individual riders with their own unique suite of sponsors – still make up a significant portion of the professional field at gravel races. The Teams Classification is structured so that four privateers may also register a group of riders or a team specifically for the race, for alliances, recognition and to qualify for the added benefits of extra support on the ground.
Privateer professional gravel racer Lauren Stephens leads the Pro Women field on stage 4 at Nedbank Gravel Burn 2025.
“The timing is a major factor,” says Vermaak. “At Traka and Unbound this year, a dominant Specialized Off-Road pretty much defined the racing dynamics. In the latter half of the Nedbank Gravel Burn race last year we had riders out of GC contention forming alliances and racing in support of a clear leader. It’s obvious that gravel racing has evolved – it’s inevitable that races will soon feature several major teams. And this is particularly true for the stage racing format. Developing a platform that provides incentives for teams is a natural progression. Independent ‘privateer’ racers formed the foundation of professional gravel racing, adding to the ‘freedom’ and charm of gravel. We recognise that the emergence of ‘superteams’ is a threat to that. That’s why we opened the Teams Classification to all to help level the playing field, where they may form ad-hoc teams to compete with the more formal outfits.”
Team Toyota Specialized celebrating their successes at Nedbank Gravel Burn 2025.
At the same time, the event retains its pro/am identity, with professional riders and amateurs from 25 countries riding on the same route, staying in the same Burn Camps and sharing the same week-long experience across the Karoo.