Gravel Burn Delights with Wildlife in Great Karoo

The Gravel Burn event saw competitors journey across the Great Karoo of South Africa, captivated by the presence of bands of zebras and herds of giraffes. This cycling adventure, which featured a challenging seven-day, 750-kilometre course, concluded on Saturday, October 30, 2026.

Nele Laing of Canyon DT Swiss ATR dominated the women’s competition, maintaining her lead throughout the race. Matt Beers from Toyota Specialized emerged victorious in the men’s general classification, defending his title to win for the second consecutive year.

The race commenced in Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in South Africa, and concluded at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The route included a significant elevation gain of 8,500 metres and multiple water crossings, with participants frequently encountering wildlife, including the majestic giraffes that roam the Karoo's vast landscapes.

Over the course of the event, five women achieved stage victories, while six men secured daily honors, all while navigating dusty terrain marked with a distinctive orange windmill at each finish line.

As the competition intensified towards the week's close, opportunities for maneuvers to shift standings dwindled. The tightened racing atmosphere was exemplified by Beers’s consistent performances, as he strategically secured the orange leader's jersey on stage 2. Throughout the stages, he faced stiff competition from rivals like Filippo Colombo of Scott-SRAM and Tristan Nortje of Toyota Specialized Imbuko.

Laing expressed satisfaction in her season finale as she won her first gravel race. "Finishing my first gravel season with a win at Gravel Burn is more than I could have ever imagined at the beginning of the year. None of this would have been possible without this team," she shared on Instagram, referring to her support from the Canyon x DT Swiss All Terrain Racing squad.

Participants dealt with various challenges, including equipment troubles and unpredictable wildlife encounters, underscoring the tough terrain of the Great Karoo. Images from the event captured the experience vividly, showcasing both the beauty of the region and the competitive spirit of the riders.