Assos of Switzerland has signed a multi-year agreement to become the official cycling apparel sponsor of the newly launched Gravel Burn, establishing itself as one of the event’s founding partners. This exciting new gravel bike stage race is set to take place in South Africa in 2025, marking a significant milestone in Assos’ commitment to the gravel cycling community.
While Assos has a long and proud heritage in cycling, its position as one of the most recognisable, premium brands in the cycling world has been achieved through its innovative contributions to the sport.
Assos was the first to use Lycra fabric to make cycling shorts (in 1976); they produced the first carbon fibre bicycle frame (also in 1976) and created the first sublimated cycling jersey.
Assos, one of the world’s leading cycling apparel brands has been announced as the official apparel partner of the inaugural Gravel Burn. Photo by Rainedupon Media / Retroyspective.
Gravel is now clearly the hottest new category in cycling, where much of the latest and most exciting innovation is happening.
The team at Assos will design two Gravel Burn leader jerseys, one for the pro-elite racing category and one for the amateur age-group categories – both gender-specific – with the aim of the jerseys becoming the most iconic and sought-after stage-race leader jerseys in the world of gravel racing.
Kevin Vermaak’s personal relationship with Assos stretches back to when the Swiss brand were the official apparel partner of the Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Rainedupon Media / Retroyspective.
In addition to a range of exclusive Gravel Burn designs, Assos’ all-new gravel range for 2025, launching early next year, will find its ultimate testing playground at the inaugural Gravel Burn. Riders will be able to pre-order their Gravel Burn Assos merchandise ahead of the 2025 event.
“I’ve worked with Assos and its founding family for more than a decade, and I’ve followed their brand development keenly over this time,” says Gravel Burn founder, Kevin Vermaak. “I am happy and proud that the Gravel Burn is the event they are partnering with to enter this new category of bike racing.”
The growth in gravel racing and riding has inspired Assos to launch a gravel specific range. Photo by Rainedupon Media / Retroyspective.
Assos is excited to embark on this new adventure in the rapidly growing world of gravel cycling. “We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Kevin in the past,” says Edwin Navez, CEO of Assos. “His vision and passion for cycling are unmatched, and we’re proud to continue building on this historic relationship. Kevin’s vision genuinely resonates with us, as our shared journey spans over a decade of innovation and mutual respect. His latest project offers an incredible platform for us to not only showcase the innovation, comfort, and quality of our upcoming gravel-specific range but also to firmly position Assos as a leader in one of the hottest and most dynamic segments in cycling today.”
Gravel Burn will start in Knysna, South Africa, on 26 October 2025 and finish seven days and 850km later at Shamwari Private Game Reserve just outside Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Riders will tackle gravel roads, mountain passes and the Great Karoo in what promises to be an exceptional cycling adventure.
The Gravel Burn will conclude in Shamwari Private Game Reserve just outside Gqeberha. Photo by Rainedupon Media / Retroyspective.
Entries are open at gravel-burn.com
