Seven days, 750km and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery: the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn brought international cyclists to the Eastern Cape for a week of racing and adventure.
South Africa’s Eastern Cape took centre stage as cyclists from around the world gathered for the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn, a seven-day gravel cycling event covering 750km between Graaff-Reinet and Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
The event combined competitive cycling with an opportunity to experience some of the country’s lesser-known landscapes, taking riders along remote gravel roads, mountain passes and through the vast open spaces of the Karoo.
South African riders take the titles
There was plenty to celebrate for South Africa at this year’s event. Matthew Beers successfully defended his men’s title, while Nele Laing claimed overall honours in the women’s competition.
Both riders came out on top after seven demanding stages, adding another memorable chapter to the growing gravel cycling event.
However, as Nedbank highlighted in its post-event statement, the experience extended beyond the competition and the final standings.
More than seven days on the bike
For many participants, the appeal of the Nedbank Gravel Burn lay as much in the journey as in the racing itself.
The event brought together an international community of cyclists, united by a shared interest in endurance sport and the outdoors. Along the route, riders experienced a different side of South Africa, travelling through remote areas and landscapes that are often overlooked by conventional tourism routes.
It is this combination of sporting challenge, travel and exploration that gives events such as Gravel Burn their wider appeal.
Creating opportunities beyond the race
The event also aims to make a difference beyond the cycling community.
Through initiatives such as its Trail Angels programme and partnerships with organisations including The Sports Trust, Nedbank Gravel Burn seeks to encourage greater inclusion in sport and create opportunities for future generations of South African athletes.
According to Kensani Nobanda, Nedbank Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, the event reflects the bank’s belief in using its financial expertise to do good, while showcasing South Africa to an international audience.
By bringing together sport, adventure and community initiatives, Gravel Burn aims to leave a lasting contribution beyond the finish line.
An adventure worth celebrating
From the historic streets of Graaff-Reinet to the finish at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn offered riders a challenging introduction to the Eastern Cape’s varied landscapes.
While the winners took home the titles, the event also put the region’s gravel roads, natural scenery and adventure potential in the spotlight.
For South Africa’s growing gravel cycling scene, it was another opportunity to show the world what lies beyond the country’s better-known travel destinations.
ALSO SEE: Eastern Cape cycling routes, Karoo villages and a safari finish
Eastern Cape cycling routes, Karoo villages and a safari finish
