Nedbank Gravel Burn is proud to welcome ChemChamp as the Official Infrastructure and Sustainability Partner for the inaugural 2025 race. This partnership marks a significant investment in the infrastructure of the Burn Camps, ensuring that riders experience comfort and reliability even in the remote heart of the Karoo. Beyond elevating this rider experience, ChemChamp’s involvement will also leave a lasting impact on the farms and communities that host the event.
Spanning seven days and 850km, the race takes riders across the remote gravel roads of the Eastern Cape. Though we pass through and stay in remote locations, the rider experience will be anything but primitive. Thanks to ChemChamp’s expertise in sustainable infrastructure, race villages will offer innovative solutions that enhance comfort while respecting the fragile environment.
“The Karoo is a land of extremes, where water is scarce and conservation is essential,” said Justin Kingwill, host farmer at Blaauwater. “This is the driest I’ve ever seen it at this time of year. The investments being made through this partnership don’t just benefit the race – they will leave a permanent improvement on the land.”
ChemChamp’s sustainability-driven initiatives for Nedbank Gravel Burn include:
- Permanent camp infrastructure – Modular ablution facilities built with locally inspired materials, ensuring lasting impact beyond race week.
- Water conservation – Development of boreholes, reservoirs, and shower water recycling systems to sustain both the event and host farms.
- Rider support innovations – Custom-built motorbike-mounted wheel racks, designed with ChemChamp’s engineering and cycling expertise, to enhance roving rider assistance.
Kevin Vermaak, Founder of Nedbank Gravel Burn, highlighted the deep alignment between the race and ChemChamp’s vision:
“From the moment ChemChamp joined us on recces through the Karoo, it was clear they shared our ethos. They’ve met the farmers, sat around their tables, and together we’ve imagined something new: a race that doesn’t just pass through but contributes—sustainably—to the land it crosses.”
Beyond infrastructure, ChemChamp’s commitment to cycling extends to performance, as they are also co-sponsors of Team Imbuko ChemChamp, with elite riders set to compete at Nedbank Gravel Burn.
“Sustainability and cycling go hand in hand—protecting the landscapes we ride through today ensures we can keep exploring them tomorrow,” said Daniel Tenner, Managing Director of ChemChamp. “We’re excited to help shape a race experience that is as respectful to the environment as it is unforgettable for the riders.”
With ChemChamp’s partnership, Nedbank Gravel Burn is not only setting a new standard in gravel racing but ensuring that every kilometre ridden leaves a positive legacy.
About ChemChamp
ChemChamp is a leader in sustainable engineering solutions, bringing innovation to industries ranging from environmental conservation to cycling. Their expertise in infrastructure development and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner for Nedbank Gravel Burn.