Drivetrain rivals Shimano and SRAM will run joint neutral tech support at the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn — free trailside mechanics for every rider across 750km of Karoo gravel.
In an industry where component sponsorship is usually a fiercely guarded exclusive, the Nedbank Gravel Burn has pulled off something unusual: Shimano and SRAM — the two giants of the drivetrain world — will work side by side to keep every rider rolling through the Karoo this October. The collaborative tech partnership, announced this week, means neutral mechanical support at every padstal (the route's service stations) for all riders, with labour free of charge and riders paying only for replacement parts.
“The priority is getting the rider to the finish. This supersedes any exclusive sponsorship deal – neutral support on-course for all, fully equipped workshops in the Burn Camps and package options for riders who want professional bike care throughout the week.”
For South African riders, the local names behind the deal matter as much as the global brands. Shimano's ZA distributor Coolheat and SRAM's ZA distributor Rush Sports are both signed on as industry partners, and Rush Sports' Sam Bull noted that Gravel Burn riders put their bikes through terrain "you will not see in a catalogue" — with equipment demands to match. Beyond the on-course padstal support, each evening's Burn Camp will host fully equipped workshops with parts depots stocking SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo components, plus on-site warranty support. Riders who want guaranteed daily attention can pre-purchase priority service packages through Techno Guide, or simply walk in for repairs.
“Riders deserve the same confidence in the middle of the Karoo that they have at home. Shimano has been part of South African cycling for decades. We are proud to join as an Industry Partner, working alongside SRAM so riders can focus on the race, knowing support is there if they need it.”
Source: Nedbank Gravel Burn
The tech deal is the latest in a string of moves positioning the second edition of the Karoo stage race as a serious international fixture. The organisers announced a four-rider teams classification in June — with the solo race's US$150,000 (~R2 475 000) prize purse still split equally between pro men and pro women — and the 2025 inaugural editions were won by South Africa's Matt Beers and France's Axelle Dubau-Prévot. Entries for 2026 are open, with a dedicated entry pathway for South African and Namibian riders. For the full route detail, see our earlier coverage of the 750km 2026 route.
Frequently asked questions
Do riders pay for the tech support? +
No — technician labour at the padstal service stations is free for all riders. You only pay for replacement parts. Optional paid priority service packages (through Techno Guide) cover professional daily bike care for the whole week.
What if my bike doesn't run Shimano or SRAM? +
The Burn Camp parts depots will stock SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo components, and the neutral padstal support is available to every rider regardless of what their bike runs.
When and where is the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn? +
25–31 October 2026: seven stages and roughly 750km from Graaff-Reinet through the Karoo to a finish at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, with about 8,500m of climbing. Entries are open, with a separate registration pathway for South African and Namibian riders.
