Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026

Nedbank Gravel Burn – Graaff Reinet, South Africa

• Date: 25 – 31 October 2026
• Location: Graaff Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Distances: 750km over 7 days
• Event Type: Gravel Stage Race

The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven-day gravel stage race South Africa that unfolds across 750 kilometres of the nation’s most dramatic and remote terrain. Starting in the historic town of Graaff Reinet, the route guides riders on a profound journey through the vast, semi-desert landscapes of the Great Karoo. Over seven stages, participants will accumulate approximately 8,500 metres of climbing, testing their endurance against the backdrop of an ancient and starkly beautiful environment, where life clings to the edges and the sky feels immense.

Each day presents a new chapter in this demanding gravel stage race South Africa. Daily distances vary between 90 and 140 kilometres, each with its own distinct character and set of challenges. The route is designed to showcase the contrasting vistas of the Eastern Cape, from the arid openness of the Karoo to the primal sense of entering wildlife country in the final stages. The journey is as much about the rhythm of the ride as it is about the competition, offering a full immersion into the geography and geology of this unique part of the world.

The event is structured as a full-service experience, allowing riders to focus purely on the challenge ahead. After each day of riding, participants retreat to ‘Burn Camps’ set up in remote locations under star-filled skies. These camps are the heart of the social experience, where the day’s efforts are rewarded with unique hospitality and local flavours. It is a space to unplug, connect with fellow riders, and absorb the quiet atmosphere of the Karoo nights, a perfect antidote to the fiercely fought racing during the day.

Community and connection are central to the Gravel Burn philosophy. The event welcomes riders from around the globe to South Africa’s fourth oldest town for the start, fostering a shared sense of adventure. It is also the first major gravel stage race to introduce a formalised team competition, complete with scored standings. Additionally, a collaboration with Trail Angels, South Africa’s largest women's cycling club, provides dedicated support and encouragement for female participants, enhancing the inclusive and supportive atmosphere of the race.

As the week progresses, the landscape shifts, culminating in a dramatic finale where the route enters an area inhabited by Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. This transition adds a primal element to the final kilometres, a humbling reminder of the wildness of the landscape. It’s a fitting end to a week of pushing limits on a gravel bike. Exploring the region offers a chance to see some of the other other gravel events in South Africa, each with its own unique character.

The second edition of the Nedbank Gravel Burn builds on the success of its inaugural year, promising another unforgettable journey. It is more than a race; it is an exploration of personal limits and a deep connection with the land. For complete details on the all-inclusive entry package, route information, and optional extras, prospective riders should visit the official event website.