Matt Beers and Nele Laing have been crowned overall champions of the Nedbank Gravel Burn stage race held at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Beers finished sixth on the final stage to secure his second consecutive title, while Laing completed a full week in the orange leader's jersey with second place on the stage, extending her overall lead over Hayley Preen. The final stage of the Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026 was shortened to 59.5km with 1,050m of climbing.
The shortened final stage proved thrilling, with contenders in both the pro men's and women's fields fighting to overturn their time deficits on the gravel roads of Shamwari. Hugo Drechou outsprinted the men's lead group on the finale to capture his first stage win of the week. Alexis Skarda delivered a solo attack in the closing kilometres to claim the final women's stage honours.
Nickolas Zukowsky and Hayley Preen secured the final Toyota Power Climber jersey titles after a demanding week across the Great Karoo. Zukowsky was only the fifth fastest up Saturday's Toyota Power Climb, but the lead he had built during the week was enough to keep the Toyota Power Climber Jersey. In the pro women's race, Preen claimed one final Toyota Power Climb win.
Beers expressed his satisfaction with his win, stating that the racing was more intense and tactical this year. He had to ride a clever race, covering the moves and taking advantage of his experience on the gravel roads. Beers also expressed his gratitude for racing at home, representing South Africa, and having a lucky week.
Laing, who wore the orange jersey for the entire event, expressed her excitement and nerves before the final stage. She was able to accelerate away from the bunch and show her strength, securing her first gravel stage race victory. Laing appreciated the beautiful environment in South Africa and the support of her team.
The final stage of the Nedbank Gravel Burn took the riders through Big 5 territory, with some riders aiming to secure their place in the age-group categories, while others celebrated an incredible week on the bike with friends. A final liaison through Shamwari Private Game Reserve led the riders back to the Burn Camp, capping off edition two of the gravel stage race.
Filippo Colombo finished second overall in the men's category, while Tristan Nortje took third. In the women's category, Hayley Preen finished second overall, and Claire Marie Koppenburg claimed third. The Nedbank Gravel Burn has provided a thrilling conclusion to the season, with riders enjoying the challenging course and beautiful scenery of the Great Karoo.
Key points
- Matt Beers and Nele Laing win back-to-back Nedbank Gravel Burn titles
- Hugo Drechou and Alexis Skarda claim final stage victories
- Nickolas Zukowsky and Hayley Preen secure Toyota Power Climber jersey titles
