Women to Watch at the 2025 Nedbank Gravel Burn

The professional women’s field for the Nedbank Gravel Burn has just been confirmed. A diverse and international roster of riders from across many cycling disciplines will line up in Knysna on 26 October for the start of the inaugural race. Over seven days and 800 kilometres, they will race solo across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape before the journey culminates at Shamwari Private Game Reserve on 1 November.

The start list brings headline names – Alison Jackson of Canada, winner of Paris-Roubaix Femmes, carries her trademark flair and finishing speed into the race. South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, one of the world’s most accomplished road cyclists, lines up with tactical intelligence and climbing pedigree from years at the top of the WorldTour. Lauren Stephens of the USA, equally strong in long solo efforts or fast finishes, adds proven versatility, while Canada’s Haley Smith brings consistency and resilience honed in MTB and stage racing.

Germany’s Rosa Klöser is another key name, one of the youngest in the field and returning with unfinished business after a late mechanical ended her podium hopes at the European Gravel Championships finale in Italy last month.

The line-up also includes outsiders capable of shaping the race. Whitney Allison (USA) is a regular force in North American gravel, Ruth Astle (UK) transfers her endurance from triathlon as a former Ironman age-group world champion, and Catherine Colyn (South Africa), a past African Continental champion, brings home advantage.

Rosa Klöser won Unbound in 2024. Photo Supplied.

Every rider on the list will face the same challenges: undulating and varied terrain, unpredictable conditions and the accumulated fatigue of a week of racing. Each evening will end in a Burn Camp under wide Karoo skies with fireside chats – a unique combination that defines the event.

The champion will earn a place in gravel racing history and lift Nedbank Gravel Burn’s distinctive trophy. This will be unveiled for the first time on 7 October, before it is awarded to the inaugural winners at Shamwari on 1 November.

South African’s Hayley Preen (leading) and Catherine Colyn will have home ground advantage at the Nedbank Gravel Burn. Photo by Raymond Cox/Ford Race to the Sea.

The women’s field is now official and with it the storylines, rivalries and anticipation of a race that promises to elevate gravel racing. The confirmed professional women’s roster for the 2025 Nedbank Gravel Burn is included below.

Juanita Mackenzie is one of locals trying her hand at elite gravel racing. Photo by Oakpics/Lions Karoo to Coast.

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio brings WorldTour experience to the gravel world. Photo Supplied.

For more information visit www.gravel-burn.com.