WHERE WE’ RE GOING
STAGE 6
MERINO FARM TO GWANISHI
Distance: 144km Elevation gain: ± 1 7OOm Elevation drop: ± 2 5OOm Highest point: 1 34Om Surface: 87 % unpaved /
13 % paved
STAGE 6 IS THE QUEEN STAGE of Nedbank Gravel Burn – and it earns that title. It’ s the longest of the week, with the most elevation gain and some of the roughest surfaces. At 144km, with three major climbs and a sting in the tail, it’ s sure to be a decisive day for the general classification.
The first major obstacle begins at kilometre 27: a 6km climb. On paper, the gradient seems manageable – but in reality, it’ s full of steep pinches and surface inconsistencies. As soon as riders find a rhythm it’ ll likely be disrupted by a patch of loose rock or a rut. It’ s here that they’ ll really feel like they’ re heading into the most remote parts of the region. Topping out at 32km, the vistas will reward but not necessarily the long descent. Fast does not always equal fun – it’ s technical, risky and potentially pivotal for early splits.
The terrain then rolls across dry, broken up tracks until the main event of the day begins: the second major climb starts at 60km. It stretches for 16km, but the real test lies in the middle – a 10km stretch of steep, uneven gradient punctuated by sharp ramps
48 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN