Gravel Burn is a premium pro-am event that invites keen amateurs to ride shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest stars in the sport. From tackling the same rugged Karoo routes to sharing stories around the Burn Camp fire, it’s an opportunity to connect with top-tier athletes in a setting unlike any other.
The first big name to announce his intention to race the inaugural Gravel Burn in October 2025 is none other than Jasper Stuyven – Milan-San Remo winner, former European gravel champion and WorldTour rider for the Lidl-Trek team.
“I’ve been loving gravel races and I’ve been loving South Africa,” says Stuyven. “It’s a very nice opportunity to combine the two and enjoy very different and beautiful sceneries, see some wild animals along the way, and ride the first-ever Gravel Burn.”
A Gravel Stage Race Like No Other
Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 850-kilometre gravel stage race through South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, starting in the coastal forests of Knysna and ending at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Riders will experience the rugged beauty of the Great Karoo, the unique warmth of South African hospitality, and the camaraderie of life in the race’s bespoke Burn Camps.
For Stuyven, the event offers more than just racing. “I came across Gravel Burn a few weeks ago, and it looks like a great event. I’m looking forward to seeing the route, the Karoo nights, the local food, and the nice Burn Camps we’ve seen on the website,” he says.
The Burn Camps promise riders a unique mix of adventure and comfort. Each camp features spacious tents equipped with beds, lighting and room to unwind after a long day in the saddle. “The beds look very comfortable,” Stuyven notes with a smile. “It makes everything a more unique experience, with enough comfort to enjoy and relax after a stage.”
Combining Passion for Gravel and South Africa
Stuyven’s enthusiasm for gravel racing has been building in recent years. A former European gravel champion, he has embraced the freedom and adventure of the discipline, which contrasts with the precision and intensity of road racing. His love for South Africa adds another layer of anticipation. “I’ve been enjoying South Africa the last few years,” he says. “It’s such a different and beautiful place, and the chance to ride a race like this here is something I’m really excited about.”
Gravel Burn will also give riders the opportunity to encounter South Africa’s iconic wildlife, adding another dimension to the experience. “Seeing wild animals along the way will make this race even more special,” says Stuyven.
A Star-Studded Start Line
With Jasper Stuyven’s confirmation, Gravel Burn is shaping up to attract some of the biggest names in cycling. The race promises to unite professionals and amateurs alike in a shared adventure across one of the most unique gravel race routes ever designed.
Gravel Burn founder Kevin Vermaak shares his excitement: “Having someone of Jasper’s calibre on the start line for our inaugural race is a huge honour. It reinforces our vision of Gravel Burn as a world-class event that combines competition with the joy of adventure and exploration.”