Gravel Burn 2025: Matt Beers and Axelle Dubau-Prevot secure stage wins as riders face 'brutal' conditions in South Africa

Leading names in the world of cycling and triathlon line up for inaugural Gravel Burn race across the Eastern Cape

Riders competing at the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn race in South Africa were subjected to gruelling conditions as they completed stage one of the seven-day trek across the Eastern Cape.

Chilly temperatures and driving rain ensured that day one was a tough and muddy one in the saddle for the mix of 500 professional and amateur athletes who had signed up for this exciting new concept in gravel cycling.

However, the inclement weather did not ruin what was a thrilling day of racing, as both the men’s and women’s rides ended with exciting sprint finishes – hometown hero Matt Beers crossing ahead of Switzerland’s Andri Frischknecht in the Pro Men event and Axelle Dubau-Prevot (FRA) pipping South African Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio for the Pro Women.

Covering a total of 800km over seven days of challenging mountain passes in the Great Karoo plateau, the riders have started to make their way inland from the resort of Knysna to Blaauwater, before they head back out toward the sea and finish in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

New gravel racing concept

Designed very much as a pro-am event by mastermind Kevin Vermaak, the event also includes a full-service package, which ensures all riders have a tent, food, provisions and mechanical support waiting for them when they arrive at the end of each stage.

Leading names from across the varying formats of cycling are taking part in this, the first-ever hosting of the 800km race, while the likes of Alistair Brownlee (GB), Cameron Wurf (AUS) and Ruth Astle (GB) from the world of triathlon are also competing.

The Pro Women riders battle against the elements on Stage 1 of the Gravel Burn. [Photo credit: Bruce Viaene/ Gravel Burn]

Olympic champion Brownlee, who was joined by fellow Brit gold medalist Tom Pidcock in hosting a Q&A session around the campfire at the end of day one, is looking forward to the challenge, stating prior to the race how it was “great to be racing for fun and not for a living” and that he was “looking forward to seeing what his legs can do” over seven days of competition.

He will, however, need to come up with something special to challenge Beers.

Having grown up in the Garden Route region, he already looks like the man to beat on home soil, putting in a commanding performance from start to finish as he broke away on the final climb up the historic Prince Alfred’s Pass and set up a titanic battle with Drechou and Frischknecht in tow.

Ultimately, Beers summited first, putting himself in pole position for the twisting, technical descent into the Avontuur finish to claim the coveted crown of the first stage winner of the first-ever Nedbank Gravel Burn.

‘It was my duty to put in a big effort’

“It’s actually very cool to win the first stage of a new event,” said Beers. “I feel like it was my duty to put in a big effort today to be the first person to wear the Assos Ember leader jersey. The conditions were gnarly out there; it was wet and really cold, but I had done my homework in the week leading up to the race and studied the route well, so I knew exactly where I needed to ease off, attack, or take charge of the racing.

“I knew it was quite a technical finish, so I just wanted to get into the front on the final few kilometres to hold the chasers off. I was able to do that; right at the end, I was a little confused because I couldn’t see the actual finish line, but I was happy to take the win on a tough day.”

Matthew Beers, Hugo Drechou, and Andri Frischknecht pictured during Stage 1. [Photo credit: James Heron/Gravel Burn]

Rain had pummelled the starting line at Knysna from the early hours of the morning, with the pro riders and 500 entrants leaving just as the heavy downpours abated. The route was described as ‘slow and sticky’, with riders needing to pick their lines carefully.

While the men’s race was decided on the climbs, the Pro Women’s race came down to the tricky, technical descents on the Stage 1 route as South African National Gravel Champion Hayley Preen finished third behind Dubau-Prevot and Moolman-Pasio.

At the halfway mark, Dubau-Prevot, Moolman-Pasio, Preen and the USA’s Melisa Rollins made their move.

From there, the four riders jostled for position, with Preen commanding on the descents. Just before the finish, she was dropped by the three leaders, only to make up time on the final descent to overhaul Rollins on the finish straight to claim a hard-fought third place.

“The last 10km was a great battle,” said a soaked but smiling Preen. “I am incredibly happy to get that result after a tough ride. The conditions were absolutely brutal out there – the weather and the road conditions.

Riders on Stage 1 of the Nedbank Gravel Burn were subjected to ‘brutal’ conditions. [Photo credit: James Heron/Gravel Burn]

“But this is what we expected, and we know what it’s all about. There are so many strong women out there, which made it an amazing race. I think the next six days will be tough, but that’s why we’re here!”

Stage 2 of the Nedbank Gravel Burn will take riders from Avontuur to the mohair farming region of Willowmoore. At 108km long with 1150m of climbing, the pro field will no doubt be ready to shake off Stage 1’s mud and raise the race temperature.