For most South African cycling aficionados, Kevin Vermaak needs no introduction. 

But just in case you’ve forgotten, here’s a refresher. He’s the man who turned a crazy mountain-biking idea into the Absa Cape Epic – one of the world’s greatest cycling events, and one that attracts the global elite to local shores, where they choose to spend a week suffering under the African sun. 

Lately, however, he’s turned his attention away from XC machines to gravel bikes. His newest innovation is the Nedbank Gravel Burn, a seven-day gravel race that will take riders on a journey from Knysna to Shamwari Private Game Reserve via the Great Karoo. 

“I enjoy thinking of new ideas, and solving the problems that inevitably arise.”

“I enjoy thinking of new ideas, and solving the problems that inevitably arise,” he says. “As an example: we needed water for one of the Gravel Burn overnight camps, so we sank a borehole and built a reservoir on the host farm – it’s a win-win for the farmer and for the event.” 

Vermaak says that Gravel Burn isn’t just a gravel clone of the Cape Epic. “We’re going in a different direction – the focus will be on the rider experience, with well-equipped camps in remote areas. The spirit of gravel riding is all about adventure.”

I take my coffee… in our offices at WeWork in Strand Street Cape Town. Part of their offering worldwide is unlimited free coffee to all members, every day. I take full advantage! It’s the first thing I do when I get there.

I’d love to go for a ride… with a family member on a tandem at the Cape Town Cycle Tour. I’ve done so with my wife before, and twice with my son – next year I plan to ride with my daughter. Riding the Cycle Tour with someone close to you is a great bonding experience.

The secret to happiness is… family, no question. But there are lots of other things that help. Challenging yourself creatively, good friends… and great coffee.

My greatest exhilaration… is probably when I occasionally get to go kite-surfing. It’s such a thrill to ride a six-foot wave for a few seconds like a surfer, before powering up the kite again and heading out to catch the next wave.

I fear… The normal stuff, I guess; like making a terrible financial decision, or somehow ending up as a lonely old man. But mostly it’s about not being able to do all the things that I love: spending time with my family, being creative in business, hanging out with friends, riding my bike…

A moment of pure clarity… happened on stage five of last year’s Cape Epic, when I had a flash of inspiration and came up with the idea for Gravel Burn.

When I wake up… I wish I was still asleep! I’m a bit of an insomniac – I sometimes wake up at 3am, and my mind starts racing. Before I know it, I’m back at my laptop, wrestling with the challenges of the day. That might sound like workaholic behaviour to some people, but I promise I’d rather be getting a good eight hours of sleep!

I rage against… complacency, mediocrity and corruption in South Africa. This country has all the potential to be world-class, but we seem intent on squandering that potential. 

I wish… we could just get rid of corruption in South Africa overnight.

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