320km of remote Galloway terrain doesn't leave much room for compromise. Neither do Genesis or Maxxis.

We're proud to announce that Genesis Bikes will title sponsor the Gralloch Ultra, with Maxxis joining as presenting partner, both committed to the event on multi-year agreements. From 2026, the event will be known as The Genesis Gralloch Ultra presented by Maxxis. Here's why both feel like the right fit.

Genesis Bikes

Before gravel was a category, Genesis were already building for it. The British brand was founded in 2006, but its roots go back further, to a time when drop-bar off-road riding was a niche pursuit with no marketing budget and no industry consensus on what the bikes should look like. Genesis simply built what riders needed: practical, durable, versatile bicycles designed for UK conditions and the kind of riding that doesn't always go to plan.

The Croix de Fer became the clearest expression of that philosophy. Designed for everything and committed to nothing specific, it became the workhorse of choice for thousands of riders, and the bike that carried Vin Cox around the entire globe. That's not a brand story built around a press release. It's one built around miles.

What has always defined Genesis is a commitment to function over fashion. Quality materials, considered design, bikes built to last and to be ridden hard. The adventure is the point, whether it's a canal path to the café or 320km of Scottish gravel. The Ultra sits squarely in that philosophy.

Maxxis

If Genesis provides the frame, Maxxis provides the contact point with the ground and on 320km of Galloway terrain, that contact point matters more than almost anything else.

Maxxis has built its reputation across multiple cycling disciplines, but its gravel range has become a genuine benchmark. The Reaver, Rambler and Receptor address different demands: speed on hardpack, grip in loose conditions, reliability across surfaces that shift without warning. What they share is the same underlying approach: rubber compounds and casing constructions developed with professional athletes and refined through real-world conditions, not just laboratory testing.

For ultra-distance riding, tyre choice is a decision riders sit with for hours. A flat at kilometre 200 through remote Galloway forest is a different proposition to one on a supported sportive. Maxxis understands the stakes, and builds accordingly. In the lead-up to May, they'll also be sharing tyre guidance and technical insights to help riders make the right call for the terrain ahead.

What this means for Ultra riders

Both brands are genuinely invested in what the Gralloch Ultra is. In the weeks and months ahead, riders can expect demo opportunities, on-route support, activations across the weekend, technical insights and dedicated content from both Genesis and Maxxis. More detail will follow as we get closer to May and beyond.

For now, one more thing: the full Genesis Gralloch Ultra presented by Maxxis route launches this Sunday, 5 April. Watch this space.

320km. 16 May 2026. Gatehouse of Fleet.

Don’t miss out and register at grallochgravel.com