When Tessa Neefjes returns to Gatehouse of Fleet, she won’t just be another rider on the start line. She’ll arrive as the reigning Gralloch champion, back to defend a title earned through grit, belief and a deep love for one of gravel racing’s most distinctive events.

For the Dutch gravel star, The Gralloch is far more than a race. It’s a place that represents pure gravel, fair racing and one of the most meaningful wins of her career.

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Coming back as champion

Despite carrying the champion’s number, Tessa insists her mindset hasn’t fundamentally changed.

“I don’t really think it changes how I approach the race,” she says. “Of course it’s extra special that I won last year, and I have really good memories from it, but even before that I already loved this race.”

That connection started early. A strong finish the year before her victory had already left an impression.

“I remember thinking, ‘wow, I really love this race’. The environment is beautiful. Racing through the Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is incredible, and the atmosphere around the start and finish is so welcoming.”

One element stands out above all else.

“The separate women’s start is something I really appreciate. We can truly race our own race, battle with each other and think tactically about how we want to ride. That doesn’t happen at every UCI event, and it makes a big difference.”

Add in the wider weekend experience and it becomes something even more memorable.

“It feels like a festival before and after the race. The start area is really nice, the people are kind, and everything just comes together. That’s a big reason why I love coming back to Scotland.”

A win shaped by setbacks

Tessa’s Gralloch victory was made even more remarkable by the context of her season. The race marked her first start of 2025 after a difficult beginning to the year.

“My season started in March with a UCI race in Belgium, but I crashed and broke my collarbone in that first race,” she explains. “I needed surgery and then six weeks with no racing at all.”

By the time The Gralloch came around in May, she was returning without race rhythm.

“All the other riders already had some racing in their legs. For me, there was a big question mark. It was my first race of the season.”

Against expectations, she won.

“That made it really special. After the setback, after all the work on my own, to come back with no race pace and then win… it felt like a proper comeback.”

Standing on the podium in Gatehouse of Fleet remains a powerful memory.

“The atmosphere was amazing. I will always remember that win.”

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Why The Gralloch stands apart

Among the UCI Gravel World Series, The Gralloch occupies a special place for Tessa.

“For women, the stand-alone start is a big reason. We can attack, wait, sprint, or change tactics. It’s real racing, not just following wheels.”

Then there’s the terrain.

“This is pure gravel. You’re really in nature, with no traffic, proper gravel climbs and technical descents. Some races feel more like road races because of the amount of tarmac. The Gralloch doesn’t.”

The finish area completes the picture.

“You finish and there are happy people everywhere. You can sit on the grass, eat, drink, relax. It feels like a celebration, and that makes the experience really special.”

Favourite moments on course

Asked which part of the route she’s most excited to race again, Tessa doesn’t hesitate.

“I really love the final gravel downhill before the finish. It’s technical, fast, and then you drop down towards the line. Those kinds of downhills are my favourite.”

Racing in Scotland, she says, feels fundamentally different.

“When we did the recon, we just thought, ‘wow’. This is gravel paradise. You’re searching for lines, feeling the surface beneath you, surrounded by nature. This is what gravel is meant to be.”

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Belief through adversity

Crossing the line as the winner came as a shock.

“I thought I’d won the sprint for the podium,” she laughs. “Then they told me I’d actually won the race, and I couldn’t believe it.”

That disbelief was shaped by a week of uncertainty leading into the event.

“It was my first race back, and the week before I felt a bit sick. I was thinking, ‘please not now’.”

During the race, belief became her anchor.

“I always try to enjoy the environment and trust myself. Even when there are hard moments, believing in it can really make a difference.”

That mindset has been forged over years of adversity. Earlier in her career, Tessa survived a serious training accident that left her with multiple broken bones and doctors questioning whether she could race professionally again.

“I couldn’t even walk at one point. But I missed cycling so much. I decided to go all in and see how far I could come.”

Today, belief is something she carries everywhere.

“I have the word ‘belief’ on my helmet, my jewellery and my bike. When things are hard, it reminds me why I keep going.”

Goals for the season ahead

Looking ahead to this year, Tessa’s ambitions are clear.

“I want podiums in the UCI Gravel World Series. And one of my biggest goals is to become Dutch national gravel champion.”

She has already won national titles on the road, mountain bike and beach racing. Gravel would complete a rare set.

When it comes to The Gralloch, the motivation is obvious.

“Of course I want to defend my title. I know it will be harder because people will watch me more, but it’s one of my favourite races. Winning a race you truly love makes it even more special.”

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Preparation, tactics and racing the field

For Tessa, success starts long before race day.

“I like to arrive early and do proper recons. I study the climbs, the downhills, the gravel and the lines.”

Those insights shape both equipment choices and race tactics.

“I want to know where time can be gained and where attacks might happen. That preparation is really important.”

She enjoys both familiar rivals and new faces in the field.

“With riders you know, you understand their strengths. With new riders, it’s unpredictable. Both make racing interesting and keep you thinking.”

Gravel’s shared experience

One of the things Tessa values most about gravel racing is its community.

“After the race, you can talk with amateur riders. You’ve all ridden the same course, so you can really share the experience.”

That shared challenge adds something special.

“For me, that connection is a big part of what makes gravel racing so unique.”

Her advice to riders tackling The Gralloch for the first time is practical and honest.

“If you can, arrive early and recon the course. The downhills can be rough, and knowing the lines really helps.”

Fuel is just as important.

“It’s constantly up and down, and it can be easy to forget to drink and eat enough. Train your fuelling so you still feel strong at the finish, and don’t forget to enjoy the Galloway Forest Park around you.”

When the race gets tough, preparation becomes motivation.

“If you know the course, you know where the top of the climb is. You know it’s just one more minute. That really helps in hard moments.”

Three words to sum it up

If she had to describe The Gralloch in just a few words, Tessa smiles.

“My favourite race. Gravel paradise. And the vibe.”

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Join Tessa on the start line

Tessa returns to Gatehouse of Fleet this May to defend her crown. Join her on the start line and experience gravel racing at its purest. Sign up for The Gralloch today.