Cape Epic Founder Launches New Gravel Race
Kevin Vermaak, the founder of the Absa Cape Epic, has launched a new gravel event for 2025.
Vermaak, who eventually sold the Epic to the US-based Ironman group and then continued as a consultant until 2022, launched his new project in Cape Town with the who’s who of cycling in attendance.
The new event, which is scheduled to take place in 2025 – from 26 October 26 to 1 November – will be a full-service, seven-day, 850km stage race in the Western and Eastern Cape. It will be open to both professionals and amateurs.
I believe gravel biking in South Africa is now at about the place where mountain biking was 20 years ago
The route takes riders through South Africa’s diverse landscapes, starting in the coastal forests surrounding Knysna, then heading into the Great Karoo. Riders rest each night in remote ‘Burn Camps’ under star-filled skies, and at the finish they’re greeted by Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Why gravel?
‘I believe gravel biking in South Africa is now at about the place where mountain biking was 20 years ago,’ says Vermaak. ‘It is growing exponentially in Europe and the United States, both among professional and amateur riders, and we think the timing is perfect for a major, long-distance, full-service pro-am gravel race.
‘And where better to stage it than South Africa?’
When it comes to Knysna, there’s a certain degree of nostalgia for Vermaak. For the first five years, the Cape Epic route headed broadly west and finished near Cape Town. Gravel Burn will also begin in Knysna, but this time, it will head into the Karoo landscapes of the Eastern Cape.
‘Our research quickly showed us that the best gravel roads for biking in South Africa are in the Great Karoo and the Eastern Cape. And there are some stunning towns along the way. Several of these gems will be used as ‘Burn Camp’ venues in the years to come.’
The Gravel Burn team has already scouted out what Vermaak describes as ‘a brilliant route’ for 2025 and the bespoke tented camps are being constructed for the riders at the various stage locations.
‘Like all great stage races, the route is extremely important to us and will define the event. It must be constantly dynamic and changing over time.’
The Gravel Burn will open for individual competitors – it’s purely a solo race. Riders may enter in their age-group (at 5-year increments starting from age 35) and have a chance to race for the leader’s jersey in their age group for both men and women.
Another feature will be point-to-point stages. The only clover leaf stage circles the mythical Compassberg just outside Graaff-Reinet, one of the most iconic (and highest) mountains in the Karoo.
‘We want riders to fully experience the spirit of gravel. To me that means adventure, distances, a journey and exploring new routes,’ says Vermaak.
He stressed that ‘we are not recreating the Cape Epic – it will be an entirely different type of event at a different time of the year. One thing we do hope to emulate is the renowned organisational efficiency which the Cape Epic became known for.’
The Gravel Burn will, however, stand apart from other events through an emphasis on community and camaraderie. This will be achieved in part by the intimate scale of the Burn Camps, where riders will share their daily experiences in a communal space.
‘I guess we are re-inventing the model and in doing so we want to commit to a communal life in the Burn Camps during the Gravel Burn,’ explains Vermaak.
Registration for the event will open in December 2024. For more details: visit www.gravel-burn.com
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