We value our partners and commit to them for the long-term journey of building an iconic African sports brand. Even after just a few months into the project, there has been tremendous support from our many friends and brands that have become aware of our project. We’ll add our sponsors and partners here, and give the context of our engagement, as the handshakes are made and the contracts are signed.
Title sponsor
Since day one we’ve had high ambitions—not just to create a world-leading event but also to redefine the category and cycling itself. None of this would be possible without Nedbank. Their belief in our vision and their investment in the future of cycling deserve the highest recognition. As our Title Sponsor, Nedbank brings more than just financial backing; they bring alignment in purpose. Their commitment to excellence, sustainability and transformative impact mirrors our own ambitions. Together, we are not just building a race but establishing a movement—one that pushes boundaries, elevates riders, and amplifies the sport’s global reach. With Nedbank on board we’re poised to break records, set new standards and create a legacy that extends far beyond the race itself. This is more than sponsorship; it’s a shared journey toward something truly great.
Headline sponsors
vehicle partner
Toyota’s support as the Official Vehicle Partner is the perfect match. Its alignment with Nedbank Gravel Burn’s values of exploration and excellence. From day 1 when we conducted our exploration trips to the Karoo, plotting the route, meeting with members of the community, virtually all of the vehicles that we passed on these quiet roads in the Great Karoo were Toyotas. It was very clear to us then that we simply had to secure Toyota as our vehicle partner. In the words of the local farmers hosting Nedbank Gravel Burn, ‘This is Toyota Country!”
digital transformation partner
Elixirr is an award-winning global consulting firm working with clients across a diverse range of industries, markets and geographies. Founded in 2009, the firm set out to be the ‘challenger consultancy’ and do things differently than the large corporate consultancies dominating the industry: working openly and collaboratively with clients from start to finish, delivering outcomes based on innovative thinking. In our journey with them so far, this perfectly describes our experience. Literally, watch this space.
TECHNOLOGY partner
NTT DATA is a global leader in technology and digital services, serving many of the world’s top companies. With expertise in AI, infrastructure and consulting, they help organisations reimagine what’s possible. They are about building for the long run – turning vision into reality and ambition into lasting impact, and that rings true with us. We look to the future with confidence and with them alongside us, that future feels closer than ever.
Sponsors
nutrition partner
Saying we’re focused on delivering a premium rider experience is one thing — delivering it seamlessly, to the highest standards, is another. Working with partners who share the same passion and commitment to performance not only makes that easier, it inspires us to do even better. Amacx lives and breathes endurance nutrition. Their products are developed with elite athletes and tested in real conditions — including by our team. We can say with confidence that riders can expect top-level nutrition fuelling them at every stage.
cycling apparel partner
Known for their cutting-edge innovation and R&D, the Assos brand captures the same spirit of ‘premium adventure’ as Nedbank Gravel Burn. Founder Kevin Vermaak reconnected with Assos (after a nine-year association as the official cycling apparel partner of the Cape Epic) at the Tour de France this year. Supportive from the very beginning, we’re excited to make the formal announcement. The Assos Nedbank Gravel Burn leader jersey is sure to become one of the most sought after jerseys in the world of gravel bike racing. Who’ll be the first to wear it?
official beer partner
Gravel and beer go together like bacon and eggs, salt and pepper, burgers and chips. Castle Lite joined Nedbank Gravel burn as official beer partner, bringing cold refreshment and great times to the post-stage experience. Now we welcome the iconic brand to Kindling by ChemChamp. Whether it’s a campfire moment, a shared sunset or a finish line toast – the beer is cold and stories flow.
infrastructure & sustainability partner
From day one of Nedbank Gravel Burn’s inception, ChemChamp has been a constant presence. Founder and CEO Daniel Tenner runs a large industrial material recycling organisation, leading the way in sustainable practices. He also happens to be a passionate cyclist – a perfect match. Within a very short time of meeting, we were working together on key infrastructure for our Burn Camps, with sustainability baked in. Beyond elevating the rider experience, ChemChamp’s involvement will also leave a lasting, positive impact on the farms and communities that host the event.
camp bed partner
Two South African-born brands achieving globally bring comfort to the wild. Our Official Camp Bed Partner will elevate the sleep experience for riders as they course through the vast, remote beauty of the Great Karoo. This is adventure in comfort — where the event challenges riders and immerses them in South Africa’s raw beauty and local culture. It’s a blend of endeavour, discovery and connection, where rest is not a luxury — it’s a necessity, ensuring riders can embrace the full experience.
fire & trophy partner
Donkey Long Tong is a Cape Town-based company specialising in handcrafted fire tools designed for both function and presence. With a focus on natural materials, considered design and purposeful craftsmanship, its work brings something special and considered to the rituals of fire. Each piece is built to endure, to be used and to carry both purpose and story. With all of these themes running concurrently, it was just a matter of time before Donkey Long Tong, Metcon and Nedbank Gravel Burn found each other with the view to make trophies like no other.
legal partner
ENS has been part of the off-road racing journey since the early days. As Africa’s largest law firm, they bring world-class legal insight not just to our commercial setup, but also in helping evolve the rules of gravel stage racing itself. Trusted, visionary and fully invested in the sport, they’ve helped Nedbank Gravel Burn break new ground – on paper and on dirt – and now Kindling by ChemChamp as we extend our gravel portfolio.
cybersecurity PARTNER
Fortinet leads in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions. Trusted by enterprises, service providers and governments worldwide, Fortinet secures more than half a million customers. Its Security Fabric platform delivers uncompromising protection across the digital attack surface, enabling organisations to safeguard critical data, reduce risk and innovate with confidence. Ranked among the top network security vendors, Fortinet is recognised for combining high performance with operational simplicity.
ISP partner
Herotel is South Africa’s third-largest fibre network, the largest fixed wireless provider, and has the widest rural footprint. With 120+ local offices, it is rooted in the communities it serves. Over 300,000 township stands are connected, with growth accelerating towards 1 million. As the ISP of choice in rural and secondary markets, Herotel delivers fast, reliable broadband. Herotel Business provides enterprise-grade connectivity, voice, security and cloud solutions, ensuring businesses of all sizes have the infrastructure to thrive.
remote power partner
Burn Camps rise in remote corners of the Karoo, far from the grid. HIMOINSA, a global leader in generator technology, provides the silent muscle behind the experience. Their systems are powerful enough to support a camp of over 1,000 riders and staff — yet quiet enough to hear the stories at night.
recovery technology partner
One day of gravel takes its toll. Try three or more! Recovery is key. Hyperice’s award-winning technology-driven recovery solutions that help people move better. Founded in 2010, Hyperice has developed a suite of award-winning products – including Normatec dynamic air compression boots – used by athletes and fitness professionals in over 60 countries. The company’s mission is to help everyone on Earth move and live better, and now, that includes Nedbank Gravel Burn riders.
wine partner
Our partnership with Meerendal Wine Estate brings together the raw adventure of our race and the refined craft of one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers. In October, riders will enjoy a curated selection of Meerendal’s fine wines, specially chosen for the event—a true taste of South Africa. Owner Herman Coertze and Kevin are long-time friends. Herman is a passionate advocate for racing bikes on dirt, and of course, a huge fan of the sport. He’s also signed up to ride the event with his wife.
trophy partner
Metcon is a leading South African precious metals refinery and fabricator, providing refined gold, silver, platinum and palladium to the jewellery, investment and manufacturing industries. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and precision, Metcon brings over 30 years of expertise to partnerships — forging meaningful moments in metal that last a lifetime. The memories created at the race and the winners’ trophies, designed and manufactured in collaboration with Donkey Long Tong, are equally precious.
Chocolate partner
Nova Chocolates have dedicated themselves to creating delectable delights that anyone can enjoy without worry. Since 2017 they have been the go-to choice of chocolate for many people, especially the fitness pros, since Nova Chocolates are: sugar free; gluten free; and vegan. Now riders can enjoy a sweet treat after the end of a long day, without the guilt.
energy drink partner
Red Bull is a global phenomenon that transcends the can, synonymous with creativity, extreme performance and high–octane adventure. As our official energy drink partner, they bring that signature wings–fuelled energy to the Karoo. From the high–tempo build–up to the Night Burn, Red Bull delivers the cold cans, hype and heart. This is the electrifying pulse of night–time gravel racing.
venue partner
In an ideal world, what could be a more fitting finish for gravel race participants from around the globe than a Big 5 welcome at a world-class reserve? The answer was clear—Shamwari Private Game Reserve. It was the first name on our list. CEO Joe Cloete leads a top-drawer hospitality team combining luxury with a forward-thinking approach to conservation. And his financial director Ruan Fick is a passionate cyclist, who joined us for our very first Trial Burn test event.
neutral tech support
Founded in 1974, Specialized is a global leader in high-performance bicycles and cycling equipment. Driven by innovation and a passion for the ride, Specialized designs bikes and gear that equips riders of all disciplines – from world champions to everyday explorers. Pushing boundaries and supporting inclusive, sustainable cycling communities, it’s fitting that Specialized facilitates our neutral tech support, which is available to every rider in the field – regardless of the brand of bike they ride.
BIKE CARE PRODUCTS
Since 2003, Squirt Cycling Products have been leading innovators for a clean, plastic free future. Owned by cyclists, for cyclists, Squirt aims for quality, reliable bike maintenance solutions without compromising their promise of sustainability. This commitment has made their long line of products a favorite of the pros from as early as 2004, and they are still holding strong.
coffee partner
Some partnerships are just inevitable. Kevin’s story with Vida e Caffè begins over two decades ago, when he’d fuel up at the original Kloof Street café. Since then Vida has been part of the weekly rhythm, including our Tuesday morning gravel rides around Table Mountain from the Camps Bay café. When discussions with Vida began around Nedbank Gravel Burn, it felt like it was all coming full circle. Vida e Caffè will bring their unmistakable energy to the event, from when coffee is brought to the riders’ Lapas in the Burn Camps at first light.
office space partner
One winter morning, when Nedbank Gravel Burn was still just a spark of an idea, Kevin was tackling a task on his long to-do list: ‘Find office space.’ That’s just when a LinkedIn notification popped up – a fellow cyclist and owner of WeWork South Africa, was also working on a new venture. Fast forward a month, and the team had established HQ at WeWork Cape Town and Stef Migliore, CEO of this premium office space organisation, was the proud owner of an OPEN WI.DE – and is currently in training for Kindling by ChemChamp.
Venue partners
BURN CAMP LOCATION
Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, beneath the watchful Lootsberg mountains, Blaauwater is a place shaped by time and tradition. Home to the Kingwill family for generations, it stands as a testament to resilience and connection to the land. Life at Blaauwater Burn Camp is powered by the essentials – water drawn from the ancient Sundays River, fire fueling meal preparation and a community spirit that forges friendships to last a lifetime.
START TOWN
Karoo hospitality is widely known and well documented as legendary. However, no guidebook could capture what we experienced when presenting the Nedbank Gravel Burn concept (back then it was just an idea) to the townsfolk of Graaff Reinet. They welcomed us as warmly as they embraced the event as if it were their own. Now, this historic town hosts the start of the race, anchored in the heart of the Great Karoo.
Charity partners
Charity partner
We’re inspired by the resilience of the wild landscapes we traverse — and few species embody this spirit like vultures. VulPro, Africa’s leading vulture conservation organisation, is fighting to protect these remarkable animals, often called nature’s clean-up crew, from the brink of extinction. Through their rescue, rehabilitation, and breeding programmes, they’re safeguarding a critical part of our ecosystems. VulPro’s dedication to preserving biodiversity resonates deeply with us. As riders connect with the wild beauty of the Eastern Cape, VulPro’s mission reminds us of the importance of protecting the delicate balance of nature that sustains us all.
Charity partner
We believe every journey is enriched by the people who support it. Since 2001, the SA College for Tourism has been empowering marginalised youth in rural and peri-urban communities, creating opportunities in hospitality and conservation. With its focus on women’s empowerment and skills development, SACT has played a vital role in shaping the vision for our Burn Camps, where riders can experience the warmth and authenticity of South African hospitality. At Nedbank Gravel Burn, we believe a world-class gravel stage race should leave a positive impact on the communities it touches.
Activation partners
biodegradable toiletries
BioBodi provides biodegradable shower gels and shampoos that care for riders and the Karoo – clean bodies and conscience.
travel logistics
Nirvana supports our international riders with seamless travel logistics – from flights and visas to bikes – race-day readiness.
BIKE racks
Thule provides the race with their premium bike racks – the safest, simplest way to carry the bikes of Nedbank Gravel Burn.
Founding Friends
Ahead of the curve, owners Charles, Jarryd and Marc have helped grow SA’s fledgling gravel scene and now is part of the fabric of our cycling community. It’s our Local Bike Shop, yet so much more.
Working with M&C Saatchi Abel, we aimed to define the spirit of Nedbank Gravel Burn in a simple, iconic marque. Here, we represent a universal symbol of adventure, wide open spaces and the future — the horizon.
Their wheels carried an African to 3 stage wins at the Tour de France. Newmen sent us 10 sets and now they’ve been tested on African soil, at our Trial Burn route recce (and still in perfect shape).
As kindred entrepreneurial spirits, the founders of Open and Nedbank Gravel Burn share a passion for business, cycling and premium bikes. Open kindly arranged 11 WI.DE bikes for our Trial Burn route test events.
The Italian brand still holds the record for the most Tour de France wins (16). While steeped in history, they represent the future of cycling — Axelle Dubau-Prevot won the inaugural race on a Pinarello!
JOIN THE JOURNEY
PARTNER WITH US
Nedbank Gravel Burn is as much a bike race as it is a community in which we all benefit from our individual contributions, and the collective. Get in touch to find out how to get on board as a partner.