7 DAYS | 850KMGRAVEL STAGE RACE
Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 850km, full-service gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. Starting in coastal forests, the route heads into the breathtaking Great Karoo – a famously vast, semi-desert region. Riders rest each night in remote camps under star-filled skies and, on the final day, are greeted by Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife.
ENTRIES OPEN 3 DECEMBER FIND OUT HOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT
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 850km on a gravel bike, the king of the jungle is sure to keep us in check.
FOUNDER'S BLOG
KEVIN VERMAAK
20 years ago, Kevin Vermaak founded the Cape Epic and grew it into what is widely regarded as one of the world’s premiere mountain bike races. During a 2-year sabbatical he was inspired by his gravel bike adventures in the Alps. Read about Kevin’s next venture, 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 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 Gravel Burn and is working with many of the team with whom he originally built the Cape Epic.
The queen stage is approximately 170km long and all the other stages vary between 85 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 Gravel Burn is a solo race. Riders wishing to compete for prize money must enter the Elite 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.
THE LATEST ON GRAVEL BURN
NEWS
Vida e Caffè Powering Nedbank Gravel Burn as Official Coffee Partner
Vida e Caffè has joined Nedbank Gravel Burn as our Official Coffee Partner, bringing their unmistakable energy and presence to South Africa’s landmark new gravel
Nedbank Gravel Burn Welcomes Meerendal as Official Wine Partner
We are proud to welcome Meerendal Wine Estate as the exclusive and Official Wine Partner for the 2025 edition. The partnership brings together the raw
Disc-O-Bed joins Nedbank Gravel Burn to redefine sleep in the Karoo
Two South African-born brands have teamed up to bring new meaning to comfort in the wild. Our new partner Disc-O-Bed is the world’s leading manufacturer
WHO IS GRAVEL BURN?
THE TEAM
It’s as much 'What is Gravel Burn?’ as it is 'Who is 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.
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ENTRIES ARE OPEN
After you click ENTER NOW, select whether you’re entering as a South African or Namibian rider or international rider.
South African and Namibian riders paying in South African Rand must enter their ID numbers or passport numbers, and also show ID at registrations in Knysna, to qualify for ‘local pricing’. International riders pay in US Dollars.
Note: a non-qualifying international rider entering as South African or Namibian risks forfeiting their entry.
BURNING QUESTIONS?
FIRESTARTER EVENINGS
We love meeting face to face and sharing all the details about Gravel Burn. That's why we’ve been hosting Firestarter information evenings across South Africa, Switzerand, United Kingdom and Spain. These events give riders a chance to connect with us and to ask any questions about the event. Plus, there’s free beer and snacks to keep the conversations flowing. Sign up for our newsletter and we'll notify you when the next one's planned.
PRIZE MONEY breakdown
Gravel Burn’s total prize purse of $150,000 is split equally between men’s and women’s racing categories
General Classification Stage Prize Money 1st $18,000 1st $1,500 2nd $10,000 2nd $1,000 3rd $7,500 3rd $500 4th $5,500 5th $4,000 6th $3,000 7th $2,250 8th $1,500 9th $1,250 10th $1,000
Gravel Burn’s total prize purse of $150,000 is split equally between men’s and women’s racing categories
| GC | Prize Money | Stage | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $18,000 | 1st | $1,500 |
| 2nd | $10,000 | 2nd | $1,000 |
| 3rd | $7,500 | 3rd | $500 |
| 4th | $5,500 | ||
| 5th | $4,000 | ||
| 6th | $3,000 | ||
| 7th | $2,250 | ||
| 8th | $1,500 | ||
| 9th | $1,250 | ||
| 10th | $1,000 |