Stage 4: Nedbank Gravel Burn

Stage 4: Nedbank Gravel Burn (RSA) || South Africa’s Beers Wins Stage , Moolman-Pasio (RSA) Moves into Overall Lead

Matt Beers powers to Stage 4 win, only protagonist Simon Pellaud can match. Nedbank Gravel Burn overall leader Matt Beers (Specialized Off-Road Toyota) claimed a tight Stage 4 today at Blaauwater Farm near the Compassberg, with Swiss rider Simon Pellaud (Tudor Pro Cycling) finishing just two seconds behind the South African cycling star. Belgian rider Lawrence Naesen (Next Level Racing: Rapha – Orbea) closed out the podium on the 111km loop stage in the heart of the Great Karoo.

Germany’s Lukas Baum (Orbea x Leatt Speed Company) sitting in third, 6:21 off the lead. Baum lost 4:32 today, battling a puncture after 60km of racing. Three stages of the 2025 Nedbank Gravel Burn remain, with the event finishing at Shamwari Private Game Reserve on Saturday, 1 November.

Stage 4 set the pulses racing immediately, with riders hitting a seven kilometre climb straight out of the start chute. An over-eager Peter Stetina (Canyon/Clif Family) attacked in the first kilometre but he was quickly brought back into line by Namibia’s Alex Miller (Swatt Club). Georg Egger (Orbea x Leatt Speed Company) then moved to the front, in an apparent effort to ride in support of his friend and teammate Baum.

After 50km of racing, the lead group was whittled down to nine riders, with headwinds and crosswinds ensuring that any attacks would be in vain. Frenchman Hugo Drechou (Numéro31.cc / Pinarello) – lying fourth in the GC – put in a few surges, but was caught each time. The decisive moment of the day came around the 80km mark when Pellaud pulled away from the group, with only Beers able to match him.

Top Riders during stage 4 of Nedbank Gravel Burn stage race from Blaauwater to Blaauwater, Eastern Cape, South Africa on 29 October 2025. Photo by Bruce Viaene/Gravel Burn “Today was neutralised for a lot of the stage because of the headwind,” said Beers. “I also think a lot of the riders are feeling the altitude too, because the race was whittled down to a small group pretty quickly after the start. When the wind changed to a cross-tailwind, the racing started to heat up a little.”

Beers tried to shake off Pellaud at one stage, but the Swiss rider refused to wilt, earning admiration from the South African. “Once we went over the Kom Pass, the highest point in the race, I was drilling it as fast as I could on the downhill because Simon doesn’t really enjoy the descents that much, but he is so strong. He’s such a good bike racer.

Pro Men during stage 4 of Nedbank Gravel Burn stage race from Blaauwater to Blaauwater, Eastern Cape, South Africa on 29 October 2025. Photo by James Cameron Heron/Gravel Burn At 90km he attacked on the drag to the last climb and I was the only one who could go with him; we got over the top and flicked me through but I was absolutely maxed out, so then he came back and attacked me again, but I just couldn’t respond. I had to ride at my own tempo until I could claw him back.”

Simon Pellaud looks back for Matthew Beers during stage 4 of Nedbank Gravel Burn stage race from Blaauwater to Blaauwater, Eastern Cape, South Africa on 29 October 2025. Photo by Bruce Viaene/Gravel Burn.