Gravel burn 2025

[J Wakefield]

3 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.

But with all this taken into account, if you finish this you can call yourself a real gravel biker.....

[milky4130]

I can’t for one second imagine all these pros are paying for that entry fee, possibly flights included in exchange post on their socials. I’m thinking little-big investment for the first edition by Vermaak like he did with Cape Epic, invite all the pros to get the event hyped up & then laugh all the way to the bank for the next 20 years. 

[WaynejG]

My brother in law from Switzerland is coming over for this.

[Sid the Sloth]

On 10/3/2025 at 5:46 PM, milky4130 said:

I can’t for one second imagine all these pros are paying for that entry fee, possibly flights included in exchange post on their socials. I’m thinking little-big investment for the first edition by Vermaak like he did with Cape Epic, invite all the pros to get the event hyped up & then laugh all the way to the bank for the next 20 years. 

The pros have teams that pay for their entry or a racing budget that covers these costs. It’s the same for any race. They are usually attracted by prize money, which the event has in great supply. 

[Julian.Robinet]

11 hours ago, Sid the Sloth said:

The pros have teams that pay for their entry or a racing budget that covers these costs. It’s the same for any race. They are usually attracted by prize money, which the event has in great supply. 

Agreed but them making akward posts on their social media points very much towards them being paid by the organizers and not their teams paying for it. Very late in their season for a very strenuous event.  I agree with @milky4130 here...

[milky4130]

+50 Pro Men fighting for Top 10, is going to be fun to follow.

[DieselnDust]

On 10/5/2025 at 7:42 AM, Julian.Robinet said:

Agreed but them making akward posts on their social media points very much towards them being paid by the organizers and not their teams paying for it. Very late in their season for a very strenuous event.  I agree with @milky4130 here...

some events do pay athletes "appearance money".i.e. cover their costs of travel, accommodation, entry and maybe even a bit extra in exchange for use of their image to promote the event. It really depends on the sponsors willingness to accommodate this or the event organiser building it into the event running costs, which is partially or wholey cover by entry fee from ex golfers

[Ozzie NL]

On 10/3/2025 at 4:49 PM, J Wakefield said:

But with all this taken into account, if you finish this you can call yourself a real gravel biker.....

BUT .... does that get you into A batch for 2026 Ride JoBurg????

[William1]

I may have an Entry available 

[Headshot]

Entries are closed, but if you're a pro - get in touch... we hef special for you. 

Those roads are great, but best seen from your SUV. I really don't get gravel but i think more people than the dire predictions above, will finish. Its like riding on a  rough tar road after all and lots of it is downhill. Most entrants know how the Epic really is the race to measure all, so they'll be suitably trained up to get measured properly. If its windy - meh - that's what droppy bars are for.

I am looking forward to the coverage with all the beeg names.

 

[Shebeen]

On 10/3/2025 at 1:02 PM, 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.

 Africa is not a continent for sissies. I think you might be genuinely surprised that riding gravel for 6 hours a day is not as hard as it sounds.

[Shebeen]

On 10/3/2025 at 5:46 PM, milky4130 said:

I can’t for one second imagine all these pros are paying for that entry fee, possibly flights included in exchange post on their socials. I’m thinking little-big investment for the first edition by Vermaak like he did with Cape Epic, invite all the pros to get the event hyped up & then laugh all the way to the bank for the next 20 years. 

A refreshing change to this unfortunate bait and switch (which instead hooked all the dreamers long term).

https://bikehub.co.za/news/the-toughest-mountain-bike-race-on-earth-launches-with-prize-money-of-0361-million-the-munga-r1423/?srsltid=AfmBOooW1-A9woypuJbooube95v7I1K3CmE70uZ-L8iPBRjQiw-sq30Q

 

Kevin Vermaak is clearly a shrewd operator, and spent his restrain of trade period putting together something that worked for all parties. He earned his platform, but still had a lot of work to make this successful.

 

[Skubarra]

On 10/3/2025 at 1:02 PM, Julian.Robinet said:

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.

Don't quite share your pessimism, +-100km per day on gravel is honestly not that hard if the aim is just to finish? Can't imagine there are many who would pay R50k(?) for and an entry and then not bother to train enough to finish the event. 

[the_roadie]

7 minutes ago, Skubarra said:

Don't quite share your pessimism, +-100km per day on gravel is honestly not that hard if the aim is just to finish? Can't imagine there are many who would pay R50k(?) for and an entry and then not bother to train enough to finish the event. 

Agreed. And the ones I know that didn't manage to get the training in, already sold their entries (within minutes) and will try to prepare better for next year.

[Julian.Robinet]

I really hope to be proven wrong. I just haven ridden a lot there... don't think many know what they are in for.
The routes are very exposed and the weather on the day can make a massive difference but I really hope everyone has a great event and get's to call himself a real gravel rider after! 

[milky4130]

3 hours ago, William1 said:

I may have an Entry available 

@DuToit Van Den Bergh there you go champ.