Photo via Cyclingnews

Matt Beers defends Gravel Burn title as Nele Laing led from start to finish across South Africa’s Great Karoo

Matt Beers successfully retained his Nedbank Gravel Burn crown in South Africa, edging out Filippo Colombo by 32 seconds after a week of intense competition. Tristan Nortje rounded out the top three, finishing 59 seconds behind the winner.

In the women's category, Nele Laing dominated her debut gravel stage race, securing two stage victories and maintaining the overall lead from the first day until the end. Hayley Preen took second place overall, followed by Clara Koppenburg in third.

During the penultimate stage, Griffin Easter claimed a victory from a breakaway, while Nathalie Eklund was awarded the women's stage win following a commissaires' decision.

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