Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026 will begin in the historic town of Graaff Reinet, starting the seven-day journey across the Great Karoo in the Eastern Cape, finishing at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

The race is set to draw local and international riders straight into the Karoo from day one, before tracking through remote fossil rich plains and onward toward the Eastern Cape bushveld, concluding in Big Five country after a brief glimpse of the Indian Ocean along the way.

The 2026 route is designed as a continuous passage across South Africa’s semi desert interior. The sequence of stages allows riders to settle into the rhythm of the landscape and experience a clear sense of arrival as the race unfolds.

A defining feature of the 2026 edition is the inclusion of two night stays at three Burn Camp locations along the route. This creates more time in each place, deeper engagement with the surroundings and a more immersive camp experience for riders. Detailed stage routing will be shared closer to the event.

Founder Kevin Vermaak explains that the structure reflects the character of the regions the race passes through.

“The Karoo is not a place you move through quickly. It rewards time and attention. Starting in Graaff Reinet allows riders to step straight into that environment, and the journey from there is shaped by the scale and character of the landscape.”

He also acknowledged the role of communities involved in the first edition.

“We remain deeply grateful to Knysna, Avontuur and Willowmore for their commitment to the inaugural race. Those towns played an important role in establishing Nedbank Gravel Burn and remain part of its story.”

For 2026, travel logistics have been simplified, with riders encouraged to fly into and out of Gqeberha. Optional race organised transport will be available.

A race open to all

Designed as a true pro-am event, Nedbank Gravel Burn welcomes elite and amateur riders alike, across twenty age group categories from 18 to 75. The race brings together a diverse field, united by a shared journey.

British endurance cyclist Juliet Elliott, who rode the inaugural edition, reflected on what makes the event distinctive.

“What stood out for me was the diversity of the field, from ages and backgrounds to the strong female participation and the pro race happening alongside amateur riders. That mix created a really special dynamic. The Burn Camps added another layer to the experience, allowing us to race hard during the day and recover in style in the evenings. The stage structure announced for 2026 reinforces this sense of shared experience.”

Whether you are racing at the front, riding for a personal goal, or stepping into your first multi day gravel event, everyone is welcome to take part in the 2026 edition.

Registration details

Entries for the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn open at 15:00 South African time on 3 February 2026.The race takes place from 25 to 31 October 2026, and the team looks forward to welcoming riders from around the world to the start line.