Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Nedbank Gravel Burn, continuing its role as Official Vehicle Partner and reinforcing its long-term investment in a bold new gravel stage race on the global calendar.
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven day, 750km solo rider gravel bike race across South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Starting in Graaff Reinet and finishing at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the race brings together world class professional gravel racers and committed amateur riders in a full service stage race environment designed for performance, progression and completion.
Taking place from 25 to 31 October 2026, the event offers a rare format in modern gravel racing, where competition and personal challenge unfold on the same route, under the same conditions, across seven consecutive days.
As part of the expanded partnership, Toyota will introduce a new special jersey competition, highlighting the particular characteristics of Karoo gravel and rewarding sporting prowess and tactical astuteness.
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, said Toyota’s continued involvement reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to both cycling and the communities that rely on mobility across the region.
“Toyota’s footprint in South African cycling has been built over decades of consistent support – backing events, teams, and athletes at every level of the sport, including our partnership with Toyota Specialized. To see that legacy come to life at the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn, highlighted by Matt Beers’ victory, reinforces the value of this partnership. This race moves through parts of the country where dependable mobility is not a luxury but a lifeline, often far from immediate assistance. Supporting platforms like this speaks directly to who we are as a brand and the role our vehicles play in enabling people to go further, safely and confidently.”
Toyota’s role in the event is felt throughout the race, supporting logistics, mobility and operations across all seven days. In the 2025 edition, that support extended to riders such as Reuben van Niekerk, an amputee rider who completed the event.
Van Niekerk said his experience highlighted what the race and the partnership stand for.
“What stood out for me was how Toyota supported riders across the entire field. From the eventual winner to riders like myself in the latter half of the field, everyone was part of the same journey. Toyota’s focus on mobility goes far beyond vehicles, and being supported as an amputee rider showed what is possible when access to mobility equipment and the unlocking of opportunities are taken seriously. Completing what will arguably be remembered as the toughest edition of the race for many years to come was an incredibly meaningful experience for me.”
Kevin Vermaak, Founder of Nedbank Gravel Burn, said the partnership reflects what the route demands in practice.
“When we first started exploring the route, most of the vehicles we encountered on those roads were Toyotas. That reality hasn’t changed. This partnership reflects what works in these environments and what the race depends on.”
The multi-year agreement provides long term stability for the Nedbank Gravel Burn as it continues to evolve its rider experience and long term vision. Entries for the 2026 race are open, with riders set to take on the Eastern Cape route from 25 to 31 October.
About Nedbank Gravel Burn
The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven day, 750km solo rider gravel bike race across South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Designed as a full service stage race, it provides a platform for the world’s best racers to perform while welcoming committed amateur riders from around the world. The race starts in Graaff Reinet and finishes at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
