Graaff-Reinet to Blaauwater, Eastern Cape – 28 October 2025
Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Foundation, USA) delivered a masterclass in tactical execution on Stage 3 of the Nedbank Gravel Burn, outsmarting the field with a perfectly timed final surge to claim the 90km stage from Graaff-Reinet to Blaauwater Farm. South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (AG Insurance Soul) fought hard for second, while Canada’s Haley Smith (Trek Driftless / MAAP / COROS / The Feed) rounded out the podium.
Cool, calm Karoo conditions greeted the riders as they rolled out from Union High School, serenaded by the local marimba band before the Kudu horn signalled the start. Once on the gravel, the Pro Women’s field splintered early, with a lead group of eight forming before the day’s major climb up Conical Peak. From there, the group regathered, six riders staying in contention until the final kilometre.
Stephens, who had spent much of the stage conserving energy and assessing her rivals, unleashed a decisive attack with 300 metres remaining—just as Moolman-Pasio and Smith began to position themselves for the sprint. Her move caught the group off guard and proved unmatchable on the slight uphill drag to the line.
“I’ve been feeling a bit off the first few days, so today I really focused on staying patient,” said Stephens. “It wasn’t a stage that lent itself to big moves, so I just tried to read the race and make the most of the final stretch. The tailwind helped, and I’m thrilled to finally take a win here.”
Moolman-Pasio admitted it was a mentally testing day. “It was super frustrating out there—some riders were hesitant to work, and the rhythm kept breaking,” she said. “But I’m happy with second. I kept it smooth over the rough sections and focused on the bigger picture. The race is far from over.”
Axelle Dubau-Prevot (Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello) finished fourth but retains her overall lead in the general classification, just 12 seconds ahead of Moolman-Pasio. With two demanding stages still to come, the South African is keeping her eyes on the long game.
“I know where my strengths lie,” Moolman-Pasio added. “Stages 5 and 6 are going to be decisive, so I’ll recover well and be ready to push when it counts.”
As the dust settled beneath the shadow of the Compassberg, Stephens’ win stood as a lesson in composure and race intelligence—a perfectly judged performance that adds new intrigue to the unfolding GC battle in the Karoo.
