word“ Burn” becomes immediately clear. For the racers, it’ ll force early decisions and set the tone for the days to come. This is no parade start.
The sandy road snakes through lush coastal forests, fast and hardpack surfaces under tyre, with the first signs of altitude beginning to creep in. At the 20km mark, riders brace for another 3km climb – a reminder of the net gain in elevation that Stage 1 packs!
At 29km, riders will encounter the first ever Padstal of the race. Padstal refers to the race’ s service stations. Riders refuel and repair with hydration and nutrition plus tech support on hand. It comes at the perfect time, just before the road points upward once again.
The 4.7km climb that follows may have a moderate pitch, but with the world’ s best setting the pace, it’ ll still scorch the legs.
As the profile and pace continues to ratchet up, a left-hand corner reveals the first glimpse of the Great Karoo – the vast and arid expanse that lies ahead for the days to come. The forest thins, and the gravel crunches a little louder underwheel.
Another major test at 53km, followed by a twisting, technical descent, demands attention and rewards those with nerves of steel. At the base lies Angie’ s G Spot. It’ s a fitting name for a Padstal that follows one of the fastest drops of the week – the“ G”, of course, referring to the lateral forces riders experience through the tight corners.
But the day’ s defining challenge is Prince Alfred’ s Pass. A 14km ascent into rarified air – historic, scenic, and punishing – climbing above 1 000 metres through one of the most selective sections of the week.
From the summit, a sharp descent into Avontuur marks the final act of the day in what is sure to be a dramatic finale into Burn Camp # 1 in Avontuur. The winner of stage 1 will also be the first ever to wear the Assos Ember Orange leader jersey. With all to play for among the world’ s best, expect fireworks.
Of all the stages, the first day at the Nedbank Gravel
Burn 2O25 is the most contrasting – from serene lagoon to high mountain pass, from dappled forest light to exposed semi-desert, from steady rhythms to savage accelerations. The first true test begins here.
STAGE 1
AVONTUUR
R62
N9
1O38m Prince Alfred’ s Pass
Unpaved Paved Padstal Summit
Buffelsnek
R340
Simola Hill
N2
KNYSNA
N2
29 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN