RACE GUIDE
What? Where? When? Who? All your questions answered. Full race and event details can now be found in our digital Race Guide.
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RACE DETAILS
Whether The Gralloch is your first gravel race or you're an off-road racing veteran, there's lots to prepare for ahead of a race day. Take a detailed look through the further race details on this page. Further topics and details will be added and updated as race day approaches, so make sure to keep an eye on this page.
Last updated: Thursday, 20 April 2023
Route
A thrilling route awaits. You'll need to conquer 113km and 1854m of climbing on your way to a spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships.
The profile of the opening 29km is a daunting one, we’re straight uphill the moment we cross the start line. It’s easy enough on tarmac, but after 600m the gradient ramps up and you turn left onto gravel to climb Fuffock Hill.
With 91km under your wheels you’ll find the day’s most taxing descent. Over four kilometres you’ll lose 150m on chunky, loose gravel and you’ll need to look out for big stones which could send you somewhere you don’t want to be.
At the bottom the surface is back to its best, the countryside opens out and you’re on the overlap heading for home. If you can’t sprint now’s your time, and if you can? Hang on.
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START TIMES
The start of The Gralloch will take place in the heart of Gatehouse of Fleet. As a rider you'll need to make your way to your allocated start pen. Details on starting procedure and start times can be found in the Race Guide.
What happens if I miss my start wave?
If you miss your start wave, please contact a race official or the info desk who'll be able to help you out. You may not be permitted to start the race so please ensure you arrive early on Saturday and avoid a last minute rush to the start line.
Where will the start line be?
Start pens will be on the High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet.
Why are there different start times for different age groups?
Due to the large volume of riders we need to manage the amount of riders being set off at any one point. The separate start times allow us to ensure fair and safe racing for all age groups.
CUT-OFF TIMES
To minimise disruption to the Biosphere, the residents of Gatehouse of Fleet and for rider safety it is necessary all riders complete sections of the course within a predetermined time. To ensure this there will be cut off points where competitors will be withdrawn from the race should they be behind the required speed. The cut-off locations and timings can be found below.
What happens if I don't make the cut-off?
If you do not make it to a cut-off in time you will need to follow the instructions of the race official at the cut-off point. It may still be possible for you to ride on as cut-off times will be assessed dynamically and may be extended depending on weather conditions and how racing unfolds at the front of the field. The cut-off time will never be earlier than indicated but can be extended.
How do I get back to the event village if I miss the cut-off?
Each cut-off features a short-cut route back to the finish line. Race officials will provide instructions to you. After each shortcut you'll very quickly rejoin the official race route and can continue following signage to the finish.
Why is there a cut-off shortly before the finish?
The final kilometres of the race route including the finish line are located on public road in Gatehouse of Fleet. We are closing these roads for the event but need to reopen them to traffic after the indicated cut-off time. You will still be able to follow the route to the finish but will no longer be allowed to race.
PREFERRED START BOX
As per UCI Gravel World Series regulations a number of riders will be selected for a preferred start box at the front of the start pens. Riders will be selected based on a number of criteria including past racing achievements.
Please register your interest for the preferred start box. Completing this form does not guarantee you will be in the preferred start box on race day. A list of riders selected for this start box will be published shortly before the event. Race organiser decisions are final. The application window has closed.
Rider Insurance
TREK UCI Gravel World Series regulations require all riders have third party insurance to cover all eventualities. This can be obtained from various providers and as part of some national federation membership schemes. Proof of cover may be required.
Cycling in A biosphere
We have the privilege of calling the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere the home of The Gralloch. The UNESCO Biosphere designation is recognition of the fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and learning opportunities that SW Scotland offers for communities, businesses and visitors. Find out more about the biosphere below, and how to respect its natural wonders.
WHAT IS A BIOSPHERE?
There are now more than 700 UNESCO Biospheres around the world, which have been awarded the designation based on their unique and precious natural environment. The UNESCO Biosphere title comes with some wonderful obligations: to get locals and visitors working together for the benefit of nature, and to centre sustainability in how we live, work and play.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was the first such designation in Scotland, recognising 5,268km² of landscape, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Within the Biosphere, the Galloway Forest Park is home to one of the world-class 7 Stanes mountain biking centres, and now also to Raiders Gravel and The Gralloch. Within its multi-sector programme, the event works to support green travel, eco-tourism and sustainable visitor attractions across south-west Scotland. And cycling – whether as a leisure pursuit, adrenaline adventure, or just a means to get to work – aligns perfectly with UNESCO Biosphere goals.
CYCLISTS AND THE BIOSPHERE
For anyone spending time in this beautiful biosphere, we join our partners across the country in saying that Scotland is yours to enjoy, responsibly. Together we can make this the best possible place for people and nature by following the principles of ‘protect, respect, enjoy’ and abiding by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Take only memories – leave only footprints and tyre marks!
1. The main aim: leave no trace. Sometimes even footprints can be harmful, when there are too many of them. Respect where you are going, protect the beauty and fragile state of the wilderness around you.
2. It’s obvious, but don’t litter. We’ll provide you with waste disposal bins and recycling bins at the Event Village to help you be as environmentally friendly as possible! Don’t drop any litter whilst you’re out on route. Any riders caught purposely littering will be disqualified.
3. Noise is another “polluter”. Be mindful of the sensitive wildlife and tranquil community you’ll be cycling past.
4. While we’ll minimise traffic on the routes, it’s still worth noting that lanes and roads are made for all, including agricultural vehicles – and they have become much faster and bigger since the 50s! Listen and watch out and let them pass safely.
5. In Galloway, people like to wave – to cyclists, too! Make sure to return the friendly gesture and who knows, maybe you’ll return home with some new mates.
WORLD CHAMPS Qualification
As per the official qualification system for the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships, each Trek UCI Gravel World Series event grants qualification rights for the UCI Gravel World Championships for those riders finishing in the first 25% of their age group.
The 25% is calculated based on the number of starters in each age group, and not on the number of riders having finished the race. Qualification is always per age group and based on age group results, not on overall results.
In addition, the first three riders of each official age category will qualify directly for the World Championships, independently of the number of starters in that age group. Riders must finish the race to gain qualification.
For all other methods of qualification (wild cards, gravel national champions, etc.), please consult the official qualification system for the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships.
The names of riders having gained qualification through the Trek UCI Gravel World Series will be communicated on the Trek UCI Gravel World Series website and will receive an official email from the UCI inviting them to register for the UCI Gravel World Championships via the dedicated online registration portal.
All riders (whether licence holders or not) completing the same distance in a qualifier event are officially considered as participants in the Trek UCI Gravel World Series, i.e. they must be part of the same ranking list, independently of the wave in which they started.
