– is among the roughest of the week. Risks are higher at speed on this section and riders descending with abandon should expect consequences.
The first Padstal sits at 32km, at the base of the day’ s highest point. From here, a 6km rise leads to the highest altitude of the entire Nedbank Gravel Burn – close to 1 900 metres. The views from this section are unmatched, with riders skimming the shoulder of Compassberg and taking in vast, unbroken Karoo vistas. There is nothing quite like it.
A brief punchy upwards slope breaks the descent before riders drop into the second Padstal at
Nieu-Bethesda. From this Karoo Heartland village, they’ ll refuel and prepare for the final major effort of the day.
The climb begins right out of town and in total, the long drag upwards stretches over 26km, with the final summit at 103km. It’ s not steep, but it’ s cumulative – after three previous ascents, it will feel endless. Pacing is crucial, esepcially on this long drag back toward Blaauwater Farms.
Once the final climb is crested, the stage tips downwards into a fast descent. It’ s tempting to switch off, with the false relief it’ s over. But the combination of speed, fatigue, and loose surface still demands maximum attention. The finish is close, but no rider wants their day to be over before they reach the line.
One of the most remote and remarkable stops on Nedbank Gravel Burn, Blaauwater is the only Burn Camp where riders stay for two nights. It hosts the finish of Stage 3, the Night Burn, the start and finish of the looped Stage 4 and will send riders on their way eastwards on the morning of Stage 5.
Stage 4 rewards consistency and resolve. It suits riders who can measure their punches, hold their nerve on rough descents and stay composed when fatigued. It’ s a magnificent day out and will shape the overall GC. Falter here and the time lost will be hard to recover with the hardest days to come.
STAGE 4
R398
1894m Kom Pass
Leeukop
Tafelkop
Unpaved Paved Padstal Summit
Owl Hill
BLAAUWATER
N9
R61
41 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN