Nedbank Gravel Burn introduces the Toyota Power Climber jersey – rewarding the most prodigious climbers in the race. This competition sits adjacent to the Assos Ember Leader jersey and Elixirr Challenger jersey. Each stage features a timed segment on the route, on a preselected climb. The Toyota Power Climber jersey is contested in the Pro Women and Pro Men fields and is also awarded to the best performing man and woman in the Age Group categories.
Pro
Riders in the Pro Women and Pro Men fields are awarded points for the fastest times on the designated segments. The overall leaders on accumulated points in this classification are awarded the Toyota Power Climber Pro jersey each day.
Age Group
An age-based Boost index is applied to each rider’s average speed on the designated segments, giving all riders an equal opportunity to win the contest that spans the Age Group categories. Once adjusted, one female and one male rider with the fastest time of the day is awarded the Toyota Power Climber Age Group jersey.
Kevin Vermaak, founder of Nedbank Gravel Burn, said the competition gives the Toyota partnership its natural place at the event.
“Toyota has been a highly active partner in how this race comes to life,” Vermaak said. “The Toyota Power Climber competition is a sporting expression that riders and fans can follow every day throughout race week. It fits with the Karoo, the route, the rider experience – exactly how we’d like Toyota to be showcased at the event.”
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota SA added: “Nedbank Gravel Burn is the kind of event Toyota wants to be part of as it combines resilience, adventure and the exploration of this remarkable South African landscape,” Crompton said. “The Toyota Power Climber Competition gives us a bold, meaningful way to add to the rider experience and the spirit of competition, and celebrates the challenges that shape this race.”