Fire, gold, and grit. The spirit that drives the Nedbank Gravel Burn came to life last night as the race revealed the trophies and jerseys that will symbolise victory from Knysna to Shamwari.
Hosted at Nedbank’s head office in Sandton, the Trophy and Jersey Reveal gathered riders, partners, and media for an evening that celebrated craftsmanship, endurance, and South African creativity at its finest.
Kevin Vermaak, Founder of the Nedbank Gravel Burn, said: “We wanted everything about this race to feel genuine. The trophies, medals, and jerseys are not just prizes; they are part of the story. They were made with the same honesty and depth that define the landscapes we race through. They should be held, used, and remembered, not just displayed.”
The Fire Starter Trophy
Handmade from titanium, brass, Karoo olienhout, and ostrich leather, the Fire Starter Trophy is both functional and symbolic. Created through a collaboration between Cape Town artisans Donkey Long Tong and MetCon, it captures the idea of transformation through endurance.
For the professional men’s and women’s winners, the trophy features a structural ring forged from forty two grams of four-nines-level pure twenty four carat gold. Inlaid with black ceramic, the ring traces the altitude profile of the 800 kilometre route. The gold forms part of the prize purse and may be kept or redeemed at value, making it both art and asset.
There are special precious metal medals for the podium finishers.
Podium and Finisher Medals
Designed by South African artist Natanya van Niekerk and produced by MetCon, the medals represent resilience, transformation and the fire that defines endurance racing. Each medal is locally refined, with unique metal compositions and authentic provenance tracking.
The first place medal is plated in pure twenty four carat gold. The second place medal is finished in rhodium, a metal rarer than platinum. The third place medal is plated in red gold for its strength and warmth. Each carries real weight and lasting meaning.
Assos Leader Jerseys
Created by Assos, a brand defined by its philosophy of “Innovation in Every Stitch,” the leader jerseys are precision garments made for performance and purpose.
The Assos Ember Jersey for the professional categories is vivid Ember Orange, representing heat, speed and determination. The Assos Ember Sand Jersey for the Age Group leaders combines Ember Orange with the muted tones of Karoo Sand, symbolising endurance and connection to the landscape.
Both the men and women’s race leaders will wear vivid orange Assos Leaders’ Jerseys.
The Elixirr Challenger Jersey
Presented daily from Stage Two onwards, the Elixirr Challenger Jersey recognises riders who record the most significant upward move in stage results compared to their previous general classification standing. Presented by Elixirr, the Official Digital Transformation Partner of the Nedbank Gravel Burn, it celebrates breakthrough performance and the determination to move forward.
The Elixirr Challenger Jersey recognises riders who record the most significant upward move in stage results compared to their previous general classification standing.
To find out more visit www.gravel-burn.com.
