De Marchi, Laing Claim Opening Stage Victories at Nedbank Gravel Burn

Posted : 26 October 2026

Mattia De Marchi of The Grip and Germany’s Nele Laing of Canyon DT Swiss ATR won the opening stage of the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn on Sunday, securing the first leaders’ jerseys of the multi-stage gravel cycling event.

More than 400 riders representing 33 countries tackled the challenging 90-kilometre route from Graaff-Reinet to Blaauwater Farm in South Africa’s Karoo region. The stage featured approximately 1,450 metres of climbing under hot conditions, testing riders’ endurance and tactical ability from the outset.

In the men’s race, De Marchi emerged victorious after an aggressive contest that initially saw him join a five-man breakaway alongside Jaedon Terlouw, Luca Dreßler, Rick Ottema and Johan van Zyl. The group built a substantial advantage on the approach to Conical Peak, but the demanding climb reduced their numbers and allowed the chasing riders to close the gap.

The leading group was eventually caught with around 30 kilometres remaining, setting up a tense battle for the finish. De Marchi benefited from the presence of teammate Eddy Le Huitouze before launching an attack with five kilometres to go. He accelerated again inside the final kilometre and rode clear to secure the win.

De Marchi completed the stage in two hours, 36 minutes and 49 seconds, finishing 13 seconds ahead of South Africans Marco Joubert and Travis Stedman, who crossed the line together in second and third place. His victory also earned him the overall leader’s Orange Jersey.

The women’s race produced an equally competitive contest, with Laing making her decisive move on the slopes of Conical Peak. Her attack opened a gap over the chasing group, although American rider Alexis Skarda eventually bridged across to join her at the front.

The pair worked together over the closing kilometres, setting up a sprint finish. Laing proved stronger in the final dash to the line, completing the stage in three hours, eight minutes and seven seconds to beat Skarda by three seconds.

South Africa’s Hayley Preen finished third, one minute and 18 seconds behind the winner, after breaking away from the chasing group but failing to catch the leaders.

Laing’s victory earned her the women’s Orange Jersey as the overall race leader, alongside the Toyota Power Climber jersey. Both winners will begin the next stage with an early advantage as the competition continues across the demanding Karoo terrain.

De Marchi, Laing Claim Opening Stage Victories at Nedbank Gravel Burn

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