The organisers of the Nedbank Gravel Burn have announced Kindling by ChemChamp, a new three day gravel stage race that offers riders an accessible format and an immersive multi day gravel experience in the Great Karoo.
Taking place from 25 to 27 April 2026, Kindling by ChemChamp will cover 300 kilometres over three days, starting and finishing in Graaff Reinet. Riders will spend two nights at Blaauwater, home to the anchor Burn Camp for the Nedbank Gravel Burn, experiencing the same carefully developed camp environment that underpins the longer seven day race.
Kindling by ChemChamp has been developed as a standalone event by the team behind the Nedbank Gravel Burn, guided by the same operational philosophy and approach to route design. The event draws on the established Blaauwater loop while introducing newly created stages designed specifically for this three day race.
While the event is shorter, the days will not be easier. The days are full race days, with Stage 1 set to be notably challenging. Kindling by ChemChamp welcomes riders new to gravel and multi-day racing, while also serving as an ideal preparation and reference point for experienced riders who plan to sign up for the Nedbank Gravel Burn when entries open on 3 February.
Kevin Vermaak, founder of Nedbank Gravel Burn and Kindling by ChemChamp, says the event is intended to broaden access to multi day gravel racing.
“Not everyone is ready to commit to a seven day race, but many riders are looking for something that still feels like a proper journey. Kindling is designed to deliver that sense of immersion over three days, with the same attention to detail, route quality and support that defines everything we do.”
Across three days, riders cover a varied route through remote Karoo terrain. Returning to the Burn Camp each day, everything is included, creating a shared camp environment and a special sense of camaraderie that comes from being in the middle of nowhere.
Each rider will receive an exclusive Ciovita Kindling by ChemChamp jersey, created specifically for the event. The design incorporates visual elements inspired by the Karoo landscape, its wildlife and its history, translating the environment into a piece of apparel intended to be worn well beyond race weekend.
Andrew Gold, co-founder of Ciovita, says the project was driven by a shared appreciation for place and craftsmanship.
“A lot of thought went into this jersey. The Karoo is layered, raw and full of character, and we wanted that to come through in the design. It is a jersey that reflects the journey and the environment in a way riders can keep and wear long after the race.”
ChemChamp joins the event as presenting sponsor, extending its involvement across some of South Africa’s leading cycling events and athletes.
“At ChemChamp, our core focus is on sustainability within our business, but as passionate cyclists we enjoy supporting local riders and events,” said Biance Bekker from ChemChamp. “Seeing Tristan Nortje and Marco Joubert perform so strongly at the Nedbank Gravel Burn was special, and having ridden the Kindling ourselves, we are happy to be part of another well run cycling event.”
Starting and finishing in Graaff Reinet adds a cultural and historical dimension to the event, encouraging riders to spend time in one of the Karoo’s most distinctive towns before and after the race.
Entries for Kindling by ChemChamp are now open.
About Kindling by ChemChamp
Kindling by ChemChamp is a three day, 300 kilometre gravel stage race taking place in the Great Karoo from 25 to 27 April 2026. Organised by the team behind the Nedbank Gravel Burn, the event offers an immersive multi day gravel experience in a shorter format, while remaining a full strength race across three demanding days.
Starting and finishing in Graaff Reinet, the event includes two nights at Blaauwater, home to the Anchor Burn Camp for the Nedbank Gravel Burn. The route combines newly designed stages with established Karoo gravel, supported by a fully serviced race environment.
Kindling by ChemChamp is open to riders, e bikes and racers.
For more information, visit https://kindling-gravel.com/
About Nedbank Gravel Burn
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 800km 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.
Entries open on 3 February 2026.
For more information, visit Nedbank Gravel Burn’s official website www.gravel-burn.com.
