Gravel burn 2025

[Bub Marley]

Okay this race is definitely going places. Anyone wanting to do this probably best to do it soon before the entry price really jumps dramatically.

[lukelockie]

Men's field announced: https://gravel-burn.com/news/a-champions-line-up-at-mens-pro-category-at-nedbank-gravel-burn-2025/

[DieselnDust]

49 minutes ago, Bub Marley said:

Okay this race is definitely going places. Anyone wanting to do this probably best to do it soon before the entry price really jumps dramatically.

Kevin was saying at the launch event that they want to avoid that happening because the entry fee is already premium. They've gone into the inaugural event with the financials covered, unlike Cape Epic 2004-2008. BUt expect inflationary increases year on year or margin related increases as the events services build. Biggest problem for Saffas is earning ZAR

[DieselnDust]

6 minutes ago, lukelockie said:

Men's field announced: https://gravel-burn.com/news/a-champions-line-up-at-mens-pro-category-at-nedbank-gravel-burn-2025/

Pretty sure thats not all of the pro mens field

[lukelockie]

Just now, DieselnDust said:

Pretty sure thats not all of the pro mens field

Yes, confident there will be a complete list added either to this story or as a separate - this seems like a teaser of big names (that I will watch disappear into a cloud of dust in a matter of seconds after starting each day  )

[Furbz]

1 hour ago, DieselnDust said:

Rather stay home Furbz. 2cm is a big tear. How deep is it?

My Epic partner tore his calf muscle during Stage 4 and only started cycling again 2 months ago. He needed about 3 months of physio before starting to place any meaningful load on it. The decision he is most thankful for is withdrawing from the race.. You're going to need that calf for suspension

Ya, the Physio is optimistic.

me not so much. my concern if the need for suspension as you say, and when i need to push out big power to get up a steep incline. that sort of load cannot be good for it.

there is always next year - i will give them a shout and find out what my options are

its deep - the bruise is only just manifesting now - 10-12 days later

[DieselnDust]

1 hour ago, Furbz said:

Ya, the Physio is optimistic.

me not so much. my concern if the need for suspension as you say, and when i need to push out big power to get up a steep incline. that sort of load cannot be good for it.

there is always next year - i will give them a shout and find out what my options are

its deep - the bruise is only just manifesting now - 10-12 days later

eish, your call 

[Shebeen]

2 hours ago, DieselnDust said:

Pretty sure thats not all of the pro mens field

But pidcock is there. That will bring eyeballs.  Wonder if he's sa linked team sponsor has anything with this? 

[J Wakefield]

Entry list is deeper than any epic has been in the last 10yrs for men and ladies 

impressive 

[Julian.Robinet]

2 hours ago, Furbz said:

Ya, the Physio is optimistic.

me not so much. my concern if the need for suspension as you say, and when i need to push out big power to get up a steep incline. that sort of load cannot be good for it.

there is always next year - i will give them a shout and find out what my options are

its deep - the bruise is only just manifesting now - 10-12 days later

For the elite field, this event seems poised for success, offering high prize money relative to what will likely be a small pool of participants. My only minor critique is that I wish the announcement had highlighted more of the highly competitive local athletes besides Matt as they will do well in the conditions.

The timing of the event presents a serious risk of unpleasant and potentially dangerous conditions though. Given the typical wind direction and temperatures for that time of year, the weather will likely be far from ideal for all seven days. Frankly, if a non professional participant isn't 100% fit and trained to ride 4–6 hours on gravel daily , a DNF is practically guaranteed. Would be interesting to know if a time cut exist.

Has the organizing crew actually completed a full test of the route? To my knowledge, it has only been ridden in segments of three stages at a time.
Sending out participants essentially as guinea pigs is a an interesting choice. I sincerely hope everyone is prepared for the extreme weather that can strike the area in summer. Dealing with an unexpected thunderstorm or 40∘C+ heat is difficult. Just have a look at the forecast for the next couple of days in the area and think we are still 3 weeks out...

I would be genuinely surprised if more than 50% of the starters actually finish. Specifically, those final three stages, likely heading straight into a strong headwind, sound brutal and will certainly not be a fun way to end the week.

[BuffsVintageBikes]

Geepers, that's a seriously stacked field, both on the Female & Male side, there's going to be some great racing happening out there at the end of the month.

[jcza]

1 hour ago, Shebeen said:

But pidcock is there. That will bring eyeballs.  Wonder if he's sa linked team sponsor has anything with this? 

Red Bull

[SSCC]

1 hour ago, Julian.Robinet said:

isn't 100% fit and trained to ride 4–6 hours on gravel daily , a DNF is practically guaranteed. Would be interesting to know if a time cut exist.

The first year of many events often attracts the dreamers. The inexperienced. Like you I suspect many don’t know what they are in for 😫

[the_roadie]

5 hours ago, lukelockie said:

Yes, confident there will be a complete list added either to this story or as a separate - this seems like a teaser of big names (that I will watch disappear into a cloud of dust in a matter of seconds after starting each day  )

Ja don't worry, I'll be right next to you 😜

[the_roadie]

2 hours ago, Julian.Robinet said:

For the elite field, this event seems poised for success, offering high prize money relative to what will likely be a small pool of participants. My only minor critique is that I wish the announcement had highlighted more of the highly competitive local athletes besides Matt as they will do well in the conditions.

The timing of the event presents a serious risk of unpleasant and potentially dangerous conditions though. Given the typical wind direction and temperatures for that time of year, the weather will likely be far from ideal for all seven days. Frankly, if a non professional participant isn't 100% fit and trained to ride 4–6 hours on gravel daily , a DNF is practically guaranteed. Would be interesting to know if a time cut exist.

Has the organizing crew actually completed a full test of the route? To my knowledge, it has only been ridden in segments of three stages at a time.
Sending out participants essentially as guinea pigs is a an interesting choice. I sincerely hope everyone is prepared for the extreme weather that can strike the area in summer. Dealing with an unexpected thunderstorm or 40∘C+ heat is difficult. Just have a look at the forecast for the next couple of days in the area and think we are still 3 weeks out...

I would be genuinely surprised if more than 50% of the starters actually finish. Specifically, those final three stages, likely heading straight into a strong headwind, sound brutal and will certainly not be a fun way to end the week.

I'm preparing to spend between 5 - 7 hours in the saddle each day. Luckily the weather is warming a bit in PTA so I've been able to get a couple of 5 hour mid day rides in the heat. 

[gtr1]

If you go to website price and entry date for next year already published. 20% increase !!