Tom Pidcock wins stage at Gravel Burn and Dubau-Prévot wins again to close the gap in the general classification

The Gravel Burn 2025 experienced a day of pure strategy and attrition between Blaauwater and Merino Farm, with the finish at the top of Swaershoek Pass. In the men's category, Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) achieved his first victory after a powerful attack in the final kilometers, while leader Matt Beers (Specialized Off-Road - Toyota) successfully defended his overall position. In the women's category, French rider Axelle Dubau-Prévot (Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello) claimed a solo victory and showed her strength again after the bad luck she experienced in the previous stage, although Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (AG Insurance Soudal) maintains the leader's jersey.

Pidcock wins and Beers retains the lead

The fifth stage, with 137 km and 1,580 m of elevation gain, was one of the fastest of the Gravel Burn. The action focused on the final kilometers of the ascent to Swaershoek Pass, where Tom Pidcock finished off a day of controlled attacks to take the victory.

German rider Andreas Seewald (Singer KTM Racing) was the first to make a move in the final part, but his attempt was short-lived: the British rider from Q36.5 reacted strongly, caught up to him, and launched his final attack with 4 km to go. Simon Pellaud (Tudor Pro Cycling) once again showed consistency and finished third, followed by Peter Stetina and leader Matt Beers, who rounded out the top 5.

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"I thought it was the easiest stage, with just one final climb," explained Pidcock. "That's why I decided to try. In the end, it was Alistair Brownlee's idea, who encouraged me to attack. I didn't expect to win, but I'm really enjoying the event and the atmosphere with the other riders."

Meanwhile, Beers and Pellaud continue to engage in a tight battle for the overall lead. The Swiss rider reduced the gap to 33 seconds, while French rider Hugo Drechou (Numéro31.cc / Pinarello) climbed to third place on the provisional podium.

"I knew Simon was going to attack me on the final climb," commented Beers. "I just kept my pace and didn't panic. I lost a few seconds, but it could have been worse. Everything is still wide open, and the next stages will be decisive."

Top 5 - Stage 5 Men

1. Tom Pidcock - Q36.5 Pro Cycling - 3:59:49
2. Andreas Seewald - Singer KTM Racing - +0:43
3. Simon Pellaud - Tudor Pro Cycling - +0:58
4. Peter Stetina - Canyon/Clif Family - +1:20
5. Matt Beers - Specialized Off-Road - Toyota - +1:22

General Classification - Men (after Stage 5)

1. Matt Beers - Specialized Off-Road - Toyota - 15:46:42
2. Simon Pellaud - Tudor Pro Cycling - +0:33
3. Hugo Drechou - Numéro31.cc / Pinarello - +6:42
4. Lukas Baum - Orbea x Leatt Speed Company - +8:28
5. Tristan Nortje - Imbuko ChemChamp - +9:19

Dubau-Prévot bounces back and Moolman-Pasio remains in the lead

After the frustration of the previous day, Axelle Dubau-Prévot delivered a flawless performance to take the victory in the final climb of Swaershoek Pass. The French rider attacked in the last section and rode solo to cross the finish line ahead of Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Foundation) and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, who defended her lead in the overall classification.

The day was marked by the wind, which kept the group together for a good part of the route. Only Alison Jackson (EF Education-Oatly) disrupted the calm with an attack 110 km from the finish, but she was caught at the foot of the final climb.

"Today I decided to race smart," stated Dubau-Prévot. "Yesterday I learned a lot. I felt strong, but I knew I had to be more patient. I waited for my moment and attacked when it was the right time. I'm very happy with how I managed the race."

Moolman-Pasio suffered a minor fall in the final kilometers, but minimized the damage and maintained her lead in the overall standings over Melisa Rollins (Liv Racing Collective).

"The pace was slower than expected," explained the leader. "In gravel, everyone races for themselves, and if there's no collaboration, it shows. In the final part, Lauren and Axelle pushed, and I just tried to stay with them."

Top 5 - Stage 5 Women

1. Axelle Dubau-Prévot - Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello - 5:01:32
2. Lauren Stephens - Aegis Cycling Foundation - +0:15
3. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio - AG Insurance Soudal - +0:27
4. Hayley Preen - ChemChamp Honeycomb 226ers - +1:57
5. Melisa Rollins - Liv Racing Collective - +3:38

General Classification - Women (after Stage 5)

1. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio - AG Insurance Soudal - 19:39:21
2. Melisa Rollins - Liv Racing Collective - +4:20
3. Hayley Preen - ChemChamp Honeycomb 226ers - +6:31
4. Lauren Stephens - Aegis Cycling Foundation - +7:01
5. Axelle Dubau-Prévot - Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello - +8:54

Stage 6, between Merino and Gwanishi, will be the longest of the race with 144 km and 1,700 m of elevation gain, considered the queen stage of the Gravel Burn. With minimal differences in the general classification, all eyes are on a final showdown between Beers and Pellaud in the men's category and an open battle for the podium between Moolman-Pasio, Rollins, and Dubau-Prévot in the women's category.