Simon Pellaud makes his debut in the Gravel Burn and Lauren Stephens surprises in the third stage

The Gravel Burn 2025 experienced a script change on its third day between Graaff Reinet and Blaauwater, with two new winners breaking the leaders' streak. Swiss rider Simon Pellaud (Tudor Pro Cycling) achieved his first victory in the race with a perfectly timed attack in the final meters, while American rider Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Foundation) used her tactical experience to win in the women's category.

The route, 90 km long with 1,450 meters of elevation gain, offered a combination of fast tracks and long climbs in the heart of the Karoo, with Conical Peak being the most demanding point of the day.

Pellaud seizes his moment and Beers retains the lead

After two days dominated by Matt Beers, Swiss rider Simon Pellaud managed to break the South African's dominance to take the victory in Stage 3. French rider Hugo Drechou (Numéro31.cc / Pinarello) finished second, just three seconds behind, and South African rider Travis Stedman (Team Toyota Specialized) completed the podium.

RECOMENDADO

Lidl keeps most of the Lidl-Trek

How to wash your cycling clothes? 10 keys to make them always look new

New York grows in Zwift: more realism, more power, and more routes than ever

Beers and Dubau-Prévot sign a double and consolidate their leadership in the second stage of the Gravel Burn 2025

"A sad moment for Danish mountain biking": the federation dissolves the national team to save costs

How to choose your cycling shorts: types and what to look for before buying

The day started with several attacks, including an early one from Austrian rider Lukas Pöstlberger (Rose Racing Circle), who rode solo before being caught by the main group on the first climb. In that phase, a group of a dozen riders took the lead, with Beers, Pellaud, Baum, and Drechou setting the pace.

"We were all expecting the big challenge of the day, and the race really started on the climb," explained Pellaud. "I'm usually too impulsive, but today I decided to wait and conserve energy. I knew the finish suited me if I had some energy left."

In the final kilometers, Drechou launched the first attack, but Pellaud responded with a perfect change of pace to cross the finish line in Blaauwater solo. Beers, fourth in the stage, maintains the overall lead with a one-minute advantage over the Swiss rider.

"It was a fast and tough stage," commented Travis Stedman. "Simon attacked earlier than I expected, and by the time I wanted to react, it was too late. The terrain was rough, and the wind made it even more demanding."

Top 5 - Stage 3 Men

1. Simon Pellaud - Tudor Pro Cycling - 2:43:35
2. Hugo Drechou - Numéro31.cc / Pinarello - 2:43:38
3. Travis Stedman - Team Toyota Specialized - 2:43:38
4. Matt Beers - Specialized Off-Road - Toyota - 2:43:43
5. Tristan Nortje - Imbuko ChemChamp - 2:43:43

General Classification - Men (after Stage 3)

1. Matt Beers - Specialized Off-Road - Toyota - 8:33:20
2. Simon Pellaud - Tudor Pro Cycling - 8:34:15 (+0:55)
3. Lukas Baum - Orbea x Leatt Speed Company - 8:35:09 (+1:49)
4. Hugo Drechou - Numéro31.cc / Pinarello - 8:37:14 (+3:54)
5. Tristan Nortje - Imbuko ChemChamp - 8:37:51 (+4:31)

Lauren Stephens wins with perfect tactics and Dubau-Prévot retains the lead

In the women's category, American rider Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Foundation) took the victory with smart effort management in the final kilometers. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (AG Insurance Soul) finished second, just one second behind, while Haley Smith (Trek Driftless / MAAP / COROS / The Feed) completed the podium.

The day unfolded with a compact group until the ascent to Conical Peak, where six riders were selected. Among them were Dubau-Prévot, Moolman-Pasio, Rollins, and Stephens. On the descent, the group regrouped before the final stretch towards Blaauwater.

"I knew there wouldn't be many decisive points, so my plan was to conserve energy and wait for my moment," explained Stephens. "I attacked about 300 meters from the finish and managed to maintain the lead until the line. It's a very special victory."

South African rider Hayley Preen once again suffered bad luck, this time due to a mechanical issue while riding at the front. Despite this, she finished fourth overall.

"It was a frustrating stage," commented Moolman-Pasio. "The pace was uneven, and it was difficult to maintain collaboration, but in the end, I managed to stay close to Axelle in the general classification, which was the most important thing today."

Top 5 - Stage 3 Women

1. Lauren Stephens - Aegis Cycling Foundation - 3:24:15
2. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio - AG Insurance Soul - 3:24:16
3. Haley Smith - Trek Driftless / MAAP / COROS / The Feed - 3:24:16
4. Axelle Dubau-Prévot - Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello - 3:24:17
5. Olivia Hottinger - Scott SRAM - 3:24:20

General Classification - Women (after Stage 3)

1. Axelle Dubau-Prévot - Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello - 10:37:32
2. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio - AG Insurance Soul - 10:37:44 (+0:12)
3. Melisa Rollins - Liv Racing Collective - 10:39:22 (+1:50)
4. Hayley Preen - ChemChamp Honeycomb 226ers - 10:42:54 (+5:22)
5. Haley Smith - Trek Driftless / MAAP / COROS / The Feed - 10:44:12 (+6:40)

The fourth stage of the Gravel Burn 2025 will keep the race in Blaauwater with a circular route of 111 km and 1,450 meters of elevation gain, entirely on gravel. It will be the only 100% off-road stage and one of the most anticipated due to its toughness and scenic beauty.