The inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn stage race concluded last weekend in the Karoo, seeing professional riders and amateurs take on a 7-day, 800km full-service gravel stage race.
Matt Beers (Specialized Off-Road Toyota) won the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn last week, which finished at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
After seven days of racing that challenged riders with hail and high temperatures, to extreme wind, Beers managed to outlast his challengers to claim the top spot.
Photographer Kim Ludbrook documented the action.
Riders are covered in mud after stage 1 over 85km from Knysna to Avontuur. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOKA rider collects his bicycle from the bike park as early morning mist rises prior to stage 2, which took competitors over 108km from Avontuur to Willowmore. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookThe men’s professional peloton competes during the third stage, riding over 90km from Graff Reinet to Blaauwater. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOKA dog watches from a truck as the men’s professional peloton competes during the third stage. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOKCyclists cross a railway crossing during the third stage. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOKRiders compete during the third stage, 28 October 2025. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOKCyclists prepare to race during the Night Burn, 28 October 2025. The Night Race involved amateur riders racing against Thomas Pidcock around a short circuit. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookA cyclist stands near a huge fire during the Night Burn. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookSimon Pellaud of Switzerland racing for team Tudor Pro Cycling after stage 5, racing over 137km from Blaauwater to Merino Farm. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookThe men’s professional peloton race during stage 5. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookThe race village of the inaugural Gravel Burn stage race. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookThe men’s professional peloton race during stage 5. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookParticipants ride during stage 6, over 144km from Merino Farm to Gwanishi. Extreme winds led to ‘neutralisation’ of the stage, meaning the riders did not race the stage but rode the stage as a transfer to the next overnight village in Gwanishi. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookThe men’s professional peloton races during stage 7, over 112km from Gwanishi to Shamwari. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookSouth Africa’s Matt Beers celebrates after crossing the finish line and winning the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn race. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookFrance’s Axelle Dubau-Prevot racing for team Numero 31 par Cafe du Cycliste / Pinarello wins the women’s race. Picture: EPA/Kim LudbrookFrance’s Axelle Dubau-Prevot (down) racing for team Numero 31 par Cafe du Cycliste / Pinarello collapses on the finish line during stage 7, over 112km from Gwanishi to Shamwari. Picture: EPA/Kim Ludbrook
