As dusk rolled in and the campfires started crackling, the chaos of the day slowly gave way to a calm buzz around Avontuur’s Burn Camp. Riders shuffled toward the central stretch tent, partly for warmth, partly for a glass of red wine after a long day out and to hear the first instalment of the Karoo Chronicles: a storytelling session featuring some of the race’s biggest legends.

Three multi-sport superheroes – Tom Pidcock, Alistair Brownlee and Cameron Wurf – took to their bar stools for what was a post-race chat cum therapy session. With Wade Wallace of Escape Collective steering the conversation, the trio swapped stories about their differing Nedbank Gravel Burn strategies, the day’s mud-slinging madness, and, most controversially, who had the most organised suitcase.

Tom Pidcock, double Olympic mountain bike champion, Tour de France stage winner, and third overall at the 2025 Vuelta a España, confessed that despite all his medals, he still hasn’t mastered the art of packing. He lives out of a suitcase most of the year and dislikes unpacking so much he lives out of a suitcase at home! Anyone who’s drying wet socks over a campfire after the muddy Stage 1 could probably relate.

Alistair Brownlee, also an Olympic champion, in triathlon, and professional overachiever, admitted to “feeling naked at the start” and going way too hard on the day’s ride, not for glory, but just to stay warm. The plan backfired spectacularly when Pidcock sailed past him and left him to limp into Avontuur, a frozen hero of the people.

Then came Cameron Wurf, the Australian endurance machine who’s somehow competed at the Olympics in rowing, raced professionally on the road, and punishes himself with elite triathlons for fun. He took the mic and described his first gravel outing as a “holiday,” cruising mid-pack at a “socially acceptable” pace while chatting with friends. No one was sure if he was joking.

The Karoo Chronicles are all part of the Nedbank Gravel Experience – connecting with mates, forging new friendships and engaging with pros. Amateurs and heroes of the sport sharing the gravel roads, endless views and the promise of post-ride beers and wine.