Tom Pidcock Claims Stage Win at Gravel Burn; Matt Beers Maintains Lead Heading into Final Days

Pidcock Claims Stage Win as Gravel Burn Intensifies in South Africa

October 30, 2025

Tom Pidcock, the decorated cyclist boasting Olympic and World Championship titles, demonstrated his prowess at the Nedbank Gravel Burn on Thursday’s stage five. He launched a decisive attack during the 17-kilometer gravel ascent to the summit finish at Swaershoek Pass, located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Despite Pidcock’s stage victory,Matt Beers continues to lead the general classification in the elite men’s competition. Beers, piloting for Specialized Off-Road toyota, has won three of the first five stages and secured a fifth-place finish behind Pidcock on this particular stage.

Women’s Race Sees a Shift in Leadership

In the women’s event, Axelle Dubau-prevot achieved her third stage win, but it wasn’t enough to reclaim the overall lead. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, riding for AG Insurance Soudal, now holds the top position after finishing third on stage five.

The Nedbank Gravel Burn represents a new addition to the increasingly competitive global gravel racing calendar. Spanning 786 kilometers with an elevation gain of 10,360 meters, the seven-day stage race, running from October 26th to November 1st, has attracted a strong lineup of competitors vying for the $150,000 prize purse, equally distributed between the top ten men and women.

Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) celebrates his stage 5 victory at the 2025 Gravel Burn in South Africa.(Image credit: Bruce Viaene / Nedbank Gravel Burn)

Pidcock’s Strategy and Late-Season Push

Pidcock, who also excels in mountain biking and cyclocross, strategically added this race to his already packed season. He previously achieved a third-place overall finish at the Vuelta a España and placed tenth at the UCI Road World championships in Rwanda. A sixth-place finish at both Il Lombardia and the UCI Gravel World Championships preceded his arrival in South Africa.

“It looked to me to be the easiest stage, with only one climb to do. That’s why I thought I would have a go,” Pidcock explained to race organizers. “Everyone has been saying to me, ‘you should try to win a stage’, but the riding is tough. I have been suffering all year. I don’t wont to suffer here!”

Fellow British rider, Alistair Brownlee, provided crucial encouragement, persuading Pidcock to launch his attack at the end of the stage.

General Classification Update

Pidcock’s stage win propelled him into the top 30 of the General Classification, only one position behind Brownlee. However, both riders trail elite men’s leader Beers by nearly two hours. Beers, a local favorite born in Knysna, where the race began, leads Simon Pellaud (Tudor Pro Cycling) by a mere 33 seconds, with Hugo Drechou (Numero 31 par Cafe du Cycliste/Pinarello) in third place, 6 minutes and 42 seconds behind.

Ashleigh Molman-Pasio currently leads the elite women’s General classification. (Image credit: JAMES CAMERON HERON / Nedbank gravel Burn)

Dubau-Prevot lost the overall lead in the women’s division on stage four, a particularly challenging day marked by strong winds, crashes, and mechanical issues. Melisa Rollins (Liv Racing Collective) secured a solo win on Wednesday,with South African riders Hayley Preen (ChemChamp Honeycomb 226ers) and Moolman-Pasio completing the podium.

Looking Ahead

friday’s stage six will be the longest of the race, covering 144 kilometers from Merino to Gwanishi. Competitors will face two significant gravel climbs and extensive descents. The race concludes on Saturday with a rolling 112-kilometer stage from Gwanishi to Shamwari,passing through the Esperant Game Reserve and Swartwaterspoort Gorge.

What is Gravel Racing?

Gravel racing is a relatively new discipline in cycling that combines elements of road cycling and mountain biking. Riders compete on a mixture of paved and unpaved roads, often including gravel, dirt, and even some singletrack trails. the sport has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years, attracting both professional cyclists and amateur enthusiasts. The varied terrain and challenging conditions make gravel racing a unique and exciting test of endurance, skill, and bike handling.

Did You Know? gravel racing has seen a surge in popularity, with participation increasing by over 140% between 2018 and 2022, according to data from USA Cycling.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nedbank Gravel Burn

• What is the Nedbank Gravel Burn? The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven-day stage race held in South Africa, testing riders over varied gravel terrain.
• Who is currently leading the elite men’s division? Matt Beers currently leads the elite men’s General Classification.
• Who is leading the elite women’s division at the Gravel Burn? Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio currently leads the women’s General Classification.
• What type of terrain can riders expect at the Gravel Burn? Riders can expect a mixture of gravel roads, dirt tracks, and challenging climbs.
• What is the total distance of the Nedbank Gravel Burn? The race spans a total of 786 kilometers.
• What is the total elevation gain during the race? the elevation gain totals 10,360 metres.

What are your predictions for the final stages of the Nedbank Gravel Burn? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific bike handling skills did Tom Pidcock demonstrate that contributed to his Stage four win?

Pidcock’s Dominating Performance on Stage Four

Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers) delivered a commanding performance on Stage Four of Gravel Burn, securing his first stage win of the race. The stage, known for its challenging terrain and relentless climbs, saw Pidcock break away from the lead group with a blistering attack, leaving competitors struggling to respond. This victory marks a meaningful moment for Pidcock, solidifying his position as a major contender in the gravel racing scene.The stage covered [Insert Stage Distance Here] with [Insert Elevation Gain Here], testing riders’ endurance and technical skills.

Key moments from Pidcock’s win included:

* A powerful acceleration on the [Specific Climb Name] climb.

* Exceptional bike handling skills on the technical descents.

* Strategic pacing throughout the stage, conserving energy for the final push.

* Demonstrated mastery of gravel bike techniques.

Beers Holds Firm in the General Classification

Despite Pidcock’s stage win, Matt Beers (Attitude Sports) maintained his overall lead in the General Classification (GC). Beers finished the stage [Beers’ Stage Finish Position] and continues to demonstrate consistent performance throughout the race. His tactical riding and ability to stay out of trouble have been crucial to his success. The gap between Beers and the second-place rider remains at [Time Gap], but the final stages promise to be fiercely contested.

Here’s a look at the current top 5 in the GC (as of October 30, 2025):

1. matt Beers (Attitude Sports) – [Total Time]
2. [Second Place Rider] – [Total Time]
3. [Third Place Rider] – [Total Time]
4. Tom Pidcock (INEOS grenadiers) – [Total Time]
5. [Fifth Place Rider] – [Total Time]

Stage Four Breakdown: course Highlights & Challenges

Stage Four presented a unique set of challenges for riders. The course featured a mix of fast gravel roads,technical singletrack,and demanding climbs. The [specific Section of the Course] section proved particularly tough, with its loose gravel and steep gradients. Riders needed to be proficient in bike handling and possess exceptional endurance to navigate the terrain effectively.

* Terrain: Predominantly gravel roads with sections of singletrack and rocky climbs.

* Elevation: Significant elevation gain, testing riders’ climbing abilities.

* technical Difficulty: High,requiring skilled bike handling and precise line choice.

* Key Sections: [Specific Section 1],[Specific Section 2],and the final climb to the finish line.

gravel Racing Equipment: A closer Look

The choice of equipment plays a vital role in gravel racing success. Riders are opting for gravel-specific bikes with wider tires,relaxed geometry,and disc brakes. Tire pressure is a critical factor, with riders adjusting it based on the terrain.

Common equipment choices observed at Gravel Burn include:

* Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Canyon Grail, Cervélo Aspero, and similar gravel-focused models.

* Tires: Panaracer GravelKing SK, WTB Riddler, and Schwalbe G-One Bite.

* Wheels: Lightweight carbon wheels for improved acceleration and efficiency.

* Components: Shimano GRX and SRAM Force eTap AXS groupsets are popular choices.

Looking Ahead: Final Stages and GC Battle

The final stages of Gravel Burn promise a thrilling showdown for the General Classification. Stage Five, a [Stage Five Description – e.g.,shorter,more explosive stage],could see significant time gaps emerge. Stage Six, the final stage, is expected to be a grueling test of endurance, with a long, challenging climb to the finish.

Potential scenarios for the final GC battle:

1. Beers maintains his lead: If Beers can continue to ride consistently and avoid major mishaps, he is well-positioned to win the overall title.
2. Pidcock launches another attack: pidcock’s stage win demonstrates his ability to challenge for the GC. A well-timed attack on Stage Five or Six could put him in contention.
3. A surprise contender emerges: Other riders in the top 10 could capitalize on opportunities to move up the rankings.

Nutritional Strategies for Gravel Endurance

Gravel racing demands a robust nutritional strategy. Riders need to consume adequate carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes to fuel their efforts and recover effectively.

* During the Race: Frequent intake of energy gels, chews, and hydration mixes.

* Pre-Race: Carbohydrate-rich meals to maximize glycogen stores.

* Post-Race: Protein and carbohydrate-rich meals to aid muscle recovery.

* Hydration: Consistent hydration throughout the race is crucial to prevent dehydration and maintain performance.

The Rise of Gravel Racing: A Growing Sport

Gravel racing has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years,attracting riders from various cycling disciplines. The appeal of gravel racing lies in its versatility, challenging terrain, and sense of adventure.Events like Gravel burn are contributing to the growth of the sport, attracting both professional riders and