The Forge | Nedbank Gravel Burn

A week on the same gravel and every night around the same fire: that's how friendships are forged at the Burn. Riders who first met in a Lapa find each other again on the start line the next year, or on the other side of the world at another gravel race. The Forge celebrates that bond, and the riders who keep coming back to share it. Race or ride, Pro or Age Group, every finish counts the same.

Three finishes

Blacksmith

Finish three editions of Nedbank Gravel Burn, in any years and any categories, and you become a Blacksmith: a member of the Forge.

Three wins

Goldsmith

Win three times and you become a Goldsmith. A win is first place overall in your category, Pro or any Age Group, in any combination: three wins is three wins.

Forged, never bought

A salute at your third startWhen you line up for the race that could make you a member, we mark the moment with a keepsake. In 2027 it's a custom, limited-edition 100-litre Nedbank Gravel Burn duffel bag, presented at a special registration desk for Forge members, and the keepsake changes every year.
The Forge cycling jerseyA limited-edition Assos cycling jersey, made only for the Forge, when you finish that race.

A long line of riders on a Karoo gravel road beside a railway line, under the mountains

Keep coming back

Three finishes. One Forge.

The first members: 2027

Below is a list of riders entered into the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn and who are in the running to become the first Blacksmiths and Goldsmiths of the Forge.