RACE GUIDE
What? Where? When? Who? The Race Guide will answer all your questions - and more! - and will be published in the weeks before your race.
RACE DETAILS
Whether The Gralloch is your first gravel race or you’re an off-road racing veteran, you’ll need plenty of information before arriving in Scotland for the event. This page will be updated as the race approaches to give you all the information you need.
Route
he route for the second edition of The Gralloch will be different from 2023.
Of course you’ll still race on some of the best gravel trails you’ll find anywhere, and in Scotland no route is easy, so expect a tough day in the saddle.
You’ll find out exactly what you’ve let yourself in for in Spring 2024.
START TIMES
The Gralloch will start in the centre of the small town of Gatehouse of Fleet, with riders beginning their race in age group start pens.
Full details on the start procedure and times will be published nearer the time.
Expect races to begin mid-morning on Saturday, 18th May 2024.
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.
PREFERRED START BOX
There is one Preferred Start Box for both men’s and women’s races. The qualification criteria for this box will be communicated at a later stage.
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
All races in the TREK UCI Gravel World Series allow riders to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships which will be held on Belgium in autumn 2024. The UCI will confirm the qualification standard in the near future.
