Signing a landmark five-year partnership with Nedbank as our Title Sponsor, we officially name the event Nedbank Gravel Burn. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the seven-day, 850km stage race, charting a course through some of South Africa’s most spectacular and untamed landscapes.
This move solidifies Nedbank’s commitment to cycling, backing a bold and innovative event with the potential to redefine gravel racing. With $150,000 in prize money, the largest single-event purse in gravel racing history, Nedbank Gravel Burn is set to make an impact on the international stage, the sport itself and also on the regions the event passes through. Combined with world-class race production and an expansive global media strategy, the race is poised to attract top professional and amateur riders alike.
“Nedbank Gravel Burn represents an exciting evolution in cycling,” says Jason Quinn, Chief Executive of Nedbank. “This partnership reflects our commitment to using our financial expertise to drive positive change, foster economic growth, and create lasting value. By supporting initiatives that resonate with our values, we aim to empower individuals and foster sustainable growth in the sport, positioning South Africa at the forefront of gravel racing on a global scale.”
“This race brings together everything we’ve learned from stage racing and applies it to a new and fast-growing discipline,” adds Kevin Vermaak, event founder. “With Nedbank on board from the outset, we have the opportunity to build something truly special – an event that challenges riders, showcases South Africa’s landscapes, and earns its place on the international gravel calendar.”
Nedbank Gravel Burn is more than a race; it’s a journey through history and landscapes few have experienced. Riders will traverse ancient trails where dinosaurs once roamed, cross historic battlefields, and camp beneath the vast Karoo night sky – one of the darkest in the world. After each stage, the race village comes alive with cultural storytelling, local hospitality, and camaraderie, ensuring that every moment (on and off the bike) is part of something bigger.
Nedbank Gravel Burn’s Founding Sponsors—Toyota, Assos, ChemChamp, Shamwari, and WeWork—have been instrumental in bringing the race to life. As the first brands to commit to this vision, they will always be recognised as the pioneers who helped shape a world-class gravel racing event.
With an unparalleled rider experience, the sport’s biggest prize purse, and a commitment to innovation, Nedbank Gravel Burn is poised to set a new benchmark in gravel racing.
About Nedbank Group
Nedbank Group is a bank holding company listed on the JSE Limited. It is one of Africa’s largest banking groups, with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and offshore in the Isle of Man and Jersey. It also has representative offices in other Africa countries, including Kenya, and has key global financial centres to provide international banking services for SA-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in London and Dubai. The group is a diversified financial services provider, offering a wide range of wholesale and retail banking services, as well as insurance, asset management and wealth management solutions. Nedbank has maintained its level 1 BBBEE status for the past 6 years and rates in the top quartile of local and international banks on ESG scores.