The professional women’s field for Gravel Burn has just been confirmed. A diverse and international roster of riders from across many cycling disciplines will line up in Knysna on 26 October for the start of the inaugural race. Over seven days and 800 kilometres, they will race solo across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape before the journey culminates at Shamwari Private Game Reserve on 1 November.

Alison Jackson

The start list brings headline names – Alison Jackson of Canada, winner of Paris-Roubaix Femmes, carries her trademark flair and finishing speed into the race. South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, one of the world’s most accomplished road cyclists, lines up with tactical intelligence and climbing pedigree from years at the top of the WorldTour. South African Gravel Champion Hayley Preen comes off an international gravel calendar as a major contender for the Assos Ember Jersey. Lauren Stephens of the USA, equally strong in long solo efforts or fast finishes, adds proven versatility, while Canada’s Haley Smith brings consistency and resilience honed in MTB and stage racing. 

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio

Germany’s Rosa Klöser is another key name, one of the youngest in the field yet already has an impressive palmers including a win at 2024 Unbound. The German Gravel Champion still has some unfinished business this year after a late mechanical ended her podium hopes at the European Gravel Championships finale in Italy last month.

Rosa Klöser

The line-up also includes outsiders capable of shaping the race. Whitney Allison (USA) is a regular force in North American gravel, Ruth Astle (UK) transfers her endurance from triathlon as a former Ironman age-group world champion, and Catherine Colyn (South Africa), a past African Continental champion, brings home advantage.

Hayley Preen

Every rider on the list will face the same challenges: undulating and varied terrain, unpredictable conditions and the accumulated fatigue of a week of racing. Each evening will end in a Burn Camp under wide Karoo skies with fireside chats – a unique combination that defines the event.

Lauren Stevens

The champion will earn a place in gravel racing history and lift Nedbank Gravel Burn’s distinctive trophy. This will be unveiled for the first time on 7 October, before it is awarded to the inaugural winners at Shamwari on 1 November.

The women’s field is now official and with it the storylines, rivalries and anticipation of a race that promises to elevate gravel racing. The confirmed professional women’s roster for the 2025 Nedbank Gravel Burn is included below.

Rider #	Name	Surname	Nationality
60	Alison	Jackson	Canada
61	Hayley	Preen	South Africa
62	Lauren	Stephens	USA
63	Ashleigh	Moolman Pasio	South Africa
64	Cherise	Willeit	South Africa
65	Jana	Gigele	Austria
66	Melisa	Rollins	USA
68	Haley	Smith	Canada
69	Catherine	Colyn	South Africa
70	Irina	Lützelschwab	Switzerland
71	Rosa	Klöser	Germany
72	Whitney	Allison	USA
73	Madeleine	Nutt	Great Britain
74	Axelle	Dubau-Prevot	France
75	Theresa	Rindler-Bachl	Austria
76	Gina	Ricardo	Australia
78	Sarah	Diekmeyer	Canada
79	Ruth	Astle	UK
80	Juanita	Mackenzie	South Africa
81	Alyssa	Mahoney	USA
82	Becca	Book	USA
83	Virginia	Cancellari	Italy
84	Mariske	Strauss	South Africa
85	Emma	van der Stockt	Belgium
86	Clara	Koppenburg	Germany