Blog#8: The Kindling
Last month, 75 of us headed deep into the Great Karoo to ride The Kindling – a two-and-a-half stage preview of the Nedbank Gravel Burn designed to test everything from rider experience to event logistics. It was a huge success – so much so that we’ve decided to launch an additional annual event over three days for April next year, starting and finishing in Graaff Reinet. More on that soon.
Blog#7: Sold out!
Another exciting milestone has just passed for us at Nedbank Gravel Burn – entries for the inaugural event have officially sold out! We had set a target of 500 participants at the 2025 event, and we’ve not only reached it – we’ve exceeded it.
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 stage race. A morning coffee is a ritual grounded in cycling tradition – a daily rhythm that sharpens focus and signals the start of the ride. As part of the all-inclusive experience, every rider will enjoy unlimited complimentary vida e caffè coffee throughout the event, from when they gather at the start in the coastal resort of Knysna to the final morning after the Burn Celebration at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, following Stage 7.
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 adventure of the race and the refined craft of one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers, adding to the immersive experience and all-inclusive offering awaiting riders at the inaugural event in October.
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 of rugged, modular camping beds, to elevate the sleep experience for riders journeying through the vast, remote beauty of the Karoo.
Amacx set to fuel Nedbank Gravel Burn as official nutrition partner
Amacx, trusted by four of the world’s top cycling teams, brings premium sports nutrition to Nedbank Gravel Burn as our Official Nutrition Partner. Founded in 2011 in the Netherlands, Amacx is a leader in scientifically formulated endurance nutrition, fuelling athletes with products designed for maximum performance, optimal recovery and gut-friendly absorption.
Blog#6: Breaking ground
I set out to make the Nedbank Gravel Burn quite different from any other stage race and to do this with the ‘spirit of gravel’ in mind. To me, that means including a unique element – an African adventure in remote and unspoilt areas. Bringing this to life in untouched parts of our country requires real commitment – both in energy and capital. We’ve embraced that, eyes wide open.
How WeWork SA Became the Launchpad for Nedbank Gravel Burn
One winter morning in Cape Town, mid 2024, Kevin Vermaak sat down with a hot coffee and a to-do list longer than a Karoo gravel road. At the top of the list: Find office space. Nedbank Gravel Burn was still just a spark of an idea – a bold vision to create the world-class gravel stage race. But first, him and his core team needed a place to work.
‘World Famous Salty Balls’ set for another adventure of a lifetime
In the world of gravel cycling, where grit meets camaraderie, there’s a names that personifies the spirit of Nedbank Gravel Burn — the “World Famous Salty Balls”. Stephen Salt and Andrew Hodgson — 70 and 65 years old respectively — are friends, adventurers and self-proclaimed weekend warriors. They are taking on the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn, adding another chapter to their storied cycling journey.
Blog#5: Ignition point
As you may have read, we managed to secure an absolutely brilliant title sponsorship from Nedbank for Gravel Burn. I am very grateful to Nedbank for sharing our vision which, in turn, allows me and my colleagues to travel this journey doing something that we love. I can’t emphasise enough how this partnership affects our daily approach to our work to build the Gravel Burn – which is now officially the Nedbank Gravel Burn.