Summary
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 850km gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From lush coastal forests to the vast Great Karoo, riders enjoy remote camps under starry skies and conclude their journey at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. The race inspires, challenges and connects riders in equal measure.
Africa’s leading coffee lifestyle brand joins South Africa’s landmark new gravel stage race
Vida e caffè has joined Nedbank Gravel Burn as their Official Coffee Partner, bringing their unmistakable energy and presence to South Africa’s landmark new gravel stage race.
A morning coffee is a ritual grounded in cycling tradition – a daily rhythm that sharpens focus and signals the start of the ride. As part of the all-inclusive experience, every rider will enjoy unlimited complimentary vida e caffè coffee throughout the event, from when they gather at the start in the coastal resort of Knysna to the final morning after the Burn Celebration at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, following Stage 7.
Baristas will be based at the Burn Camps throughout the event; coffee will be delivered to each Lapa at first light, and the distinctive vida e caffè truck will be stationed at the start / finish line to meet riders’ pre- and post-ride caffeine needs. Every rider will also receive a durable, sustainable vida x Nedbank Gravel Burn coffee cup to use during the week and take home as a memento.
“Vida e caffè has always been part of my daily grind, since the early days of building the Cape Epic, when I’d frequent the first vida e caffè store in Kloof Street where the business started 23 years ago,” said Vermaak. “And more recently, we’ve begun our weekly Tuesday morning company gravel rides at vida e caffè in Camps Bay. They have been part of our journey, long before we even imagined this event! Some things are just destined to happen.”
With more than 330 stores across the continent, vida e caffè is recognised not only for its quality coffee, but for the high-energy baristas that define Africa’s leading coffee lifestyle brand. That energy will now be part of the Burn Camp – fuelling each morning with momentum, routine, and presence.
“We look for meaningful partnership opportunities that reflect who we are,” said Darren Levy, CEO of vida e caffè. “We want to be first, to partner with people who think differently, and to show up in places that matter to our customers. The Nedbank Gravel Burn is bold, innovative and sets the pace, not just in gravel but in cycling as a whole – exactly the kind of event we’re proud to stand alongside.”
e caffè will also play a role in The Kindling, Nedbank Gravel Burn’s ‘taster’ event in April, referenced in Vermaak’s latest blog. This closed preview offers the chance to experience the full race rhythm ahead of October – including the start of each day with a vida e caffè coffee.
Entries for the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn close on 25 April. Riders planning to be part of the inaugural edition are advised to secure their entries as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.
About Vida e caffè
Founded in Cape Town in 2001, vida e caffè is one of Africa’s leading coffee brands, with more than 330 stores across the continent. Rooted in a passion for quality coffee, vibrant culture, and sustainable innovation, vida e caffè is known for its distinctive energy, iconic red cups, and high-impact baristas who bring momentum to every customer interaction. Inspired by the street cafés of Portugal and infused with a uniquely African spirit, vida e caffè continues to grow its footprint while staying true to its mission: to serve coffee with purpose, pace, and personality.
For more information, visit: vidaecaffe.com
About Nedbank Gravel Burn
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 850km gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From lush coastal forests to the vast Great Karoo, riders enjoy remote camps under starry skies and conclude their journey at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. The race inspires, challenges and connects riders in equal measure.
For more information, visit: gravel-burn.com
