Riders do not need a racing licence to take part in The Gralloch. Participation is open to all, regardless of licence status.

Important:
Riders who qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships must hold a valid annual licence issued by their national federation (day licences are not accepted). They must also:

• Hold a valid UCI ID‍
• Be adequately insured against accidents and civil liability in the host country

The UCI Gravel World Series provides results for the following age and gender categories for both men and women:

• Elite Men
• Elite Women
• 19–34 years
• 35–39 years
• 40–44 years
• 45–49 years
• 50–54 years
• 55–59 years
• 60–64 years
• 65–69 years
• 70–74 years
• 75–79 years‍
• …and any further 5-year category for which riders have entered.

Age Group Rules:

• A rider’s category is determined by their age on 31 December of the year of the qualifier event.
  

• Riders who qualify in one year for the following year’s World Championships and move into a new age group will automatically carry their qualification forward into the next age category.
  

• Medals and titles at the World Championships are awarded for any 5-year category in which at least one rider is registered.
  
  

Elite Category Rules:

• Riders registered with a UCI-registered team must compete in the Elite Category.
  

• Riders with a national-level elite licence may choose to compete either in the Elite Category or in their age group, but must make this decision before the race.
  

• Riders who start in the Elite Category can only qualify for the Elite World Championships.

• Riders who start in their Age Group Category can only qualify for the Age Group World Championships.
  
  

A rider starting in the Elite Category who does not qualify there cannot claim qualification in their age group, even if their finish time would otherwise place them within the top 25% of their age category.

The Gralloch is part of the UCI Gravel World Series, and as such, it offers riders the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships.

Riders can earn qualification in the following ways:

• The top 25% of starters in each age and gender category qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships. This percentage is calculated based on the number of starters in each age group, not the number of finishers.

• The 25% is always rounded up to the nearest whole number to determine the exact number of qualified riders per category. For example: in a category with 26 starters, 25% equals 6.5, meaning the top 7 riders qualify for the World Championships.

• The top three riders in each official category qualify automatically, regardless of the number of starters.

• Riders must finish the race to secure qualification.

For other qualification pathways — such as wild cards, national gravel champions, or other specific invitations — please refer to the official UCI qualification system for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

The UCI will publish the list of qualified riders on the UCI Gravel World Series website, and each qualified rider will also receive an official email invitation from the UCI with details on how to register for the Championships.

The Gralloch will feature three Feed Zones, each stocked with Sports nutrition (energy gels, bars and drink mix), Fresh fruit and water, and other items.

Unless a rider has pre-selected our Personal Bottle Service, all Feed Zones operate on a self-service basis — outside assistance is strictly prohibited. 

Any rider found receiving support from non-official personnel will be disqualified.

Riders must not remove plastic bottles from the Feed Zones. All waste — including wrappers, bottles and food packaging — must be disposed of in the recycling and waste bins provided at each Feed Zone or at the finish line.

Each Feed Zone also includes a Tech Zone, equipped with:

• Tools and basic spares
  

• Inner tubes and workstations
  

• A limited number of spare tyres

Items within the Tech Zone are strictly for mechanical emergencies only. Riders who use these resources without valid need (for example, restocking tubes or CO₂ canisters) risk disqualification.

Any rider found purposely littering along the route — including dropping CO₂ cartridges, inner tubes, wrappers, gels or bottles — will be disqualified. The Gralloch takes place within a protected natural environment, and riders are expected to uphold our Leave No Trace commitment.

In addition to the Feed Zones, several Tech Boxes will be positioned along the route. Each box will be clearly marked and stocked with essential tools, spares and inner tubes to assist riders in the event of a mechanical emergency.

These resources are provided to ensure fairness and safety across the field. They may be used only when absolutely necessary.

Riders found using items from the Tech Boxes without valid need — for example, restocking supplies such as tubes or CO₂ canisters — may face disqualification.

No outside assistance is permitted at The Gralloch UCI Race.

Riders must be self-sufficient and carry all necessary tools, nutrition, and equipment for the duration of the race. The only forms of assistance permitted are:

• The official Personal Bottle Service
  

• Food and drink provided at the Feed Zones
  

• Tools and mechanical spares available in the designated Tech Boxes
  
  

Any rider receiving technical or nutritional support from anyone other than another registered rider or official event staff will be disqualified.

Tech Boxes are available at each Feed Zone and at seven additional points along the route. Riders may change wheels during the event, but must use the same bike frame for the entire race.

The Gralloch race route is fully signposted with white arrows on a blue background. These signs are placed at all key junctions and along the course to ensure clear navigation. Riders should also pay close attention to yellow warning signs, which indicate hazards, technical sections, or other important information.

A GPX file of the official event route is available on the event website and can be downloaded in advance for use on compatible devices.

In addition to navigation markers, specific signs will indicate:

• Distance markers: signs at the final 50km, 25km, 10km, 5km, 1km and 500m before the finish line.
  

• Feed Zones: a sign positioned 500m before each Feed Zone.
  
  

All signage will be positioned on the side of the track for clear visibility and safety.

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Emergency Number and Labels

On the back of each route sign, you’ll find a label displaying:

• The Event Control emergency phone number
  

• A location number unique to that point on the route
  
  

If you require assistance during the event, please call, text, or WhatsApp the emergency number and quote the location number shown on the nearest sign. This will help our team reach you as quickly and safely as possible.

Lead motorbikes will precede both the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s fields. Riders being overtaken must move to the left and allow them to pass safely.

Riders who are overtaken by a lead motorbike must keep to the left side of the road or track to allow faster riders to pass safely and without obstruction.

Instructions from lead motorbike personnel must be followed at all times.

It is strictly prohibited to interfere with or draft behind the race convoy; doing so will result in disqualification.

A number of media motorbikes will also operate along the course. Riders should remain alert and, when instructed and when it is safe to do so, allow these motorbikes to pass on the right.

Race convoy vehicles will be present throughout the route to support event operations. Please allow them sufficient space and let them pass safely and courteously when required.

Only pedal-powered bicycles are permitted at The Gralloch. Riders may use:

• Road bikes
  

• Gravel bikes / cyclocross bikes
  

• Mountain bikes
  

• Hybrid or city bikes
  

However, the following are not permitted at The Gralloch:

• E-bikes (electric-assist or fully motorised)
  

• Tandems
  

• Recumbent bikes
  

• Time trial or triathlon bikes
  

For the UCI Gravel World Championships, riders must use a bike with drop handlebars. It is not permitted to compete in the UCI Gravel World Championships on a mountain bike.

No tri-bars or similar extensions are permitted on handlebars.

Riders are free to wear any jersey of their choice during The Gralloch and other UCI Gravel World Series qualifier events.

The only exception applies to reigning UCI Gravel World Champions, who are required to wear their official World Champion jersey when competing in any UCI Gravel World Series qualifier event.

All jerseys worn at The Gralloch must:

• Not display any wording, imagery, or logos that could be considered offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate.
  

• Not include content that could bring The Gralloch, its partners, or the UCI Gravel World Series into disrepute.
  

Riders failing to adhere to these standards may be subject to review and potential disqualification.

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Riders are expected to be fully self-sufficient and should carry with them any tools, spares, and equipment they may need to complete the race.

Basic tools and selected spares will be available at each Feed Zone and within designated Tech Boxes along the route for use in the event of a mechanical emergency.

Riders may change wheels during the event, but must use the same bike frame for the entire race.

Outside technical assistance is not permitted at The Gralloch. Any rider receiving help from anyone other than another registered rider or official event staff will be disqualified.

The Gralloch will be electronically timed for all participants across the entire course distance.

The official timekeeping provider will produce:

• Overall rankings for each age group and gender
  

• Separate rankings for the Elite Men and Elite Women categories
  
  

Timing is conducted according to the Gun Time principle, meaning all riders in a start pen receive the same start time when the race begins. Individual times do not start when crossing the start line carpet but rather when the start signal is sounded.

Winners in each category are also determined using Gun Time.

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Published Results and Qualification Lists

The event organiser will provide a complete list of results to the UCI upon the event’s completion.

A preliminary list of qualified riders may be published on-site or online following the event; however, these results remain unofficial until confirmed by the UCI.

Only the list published on the official UCI Gravel World Series website is considered the official record of qualified riders.

Podium Ceremony Protocol

Podium presentation times will be announced in the Event Guide and are dependent on rider finishing times. Riders must listen for announcements on event day to ensure they arrive on time.

• Riders must report to the podium waiting area no later than 10 minutes before their scheduled podium call.
  

• Attendance is mandatory for all riders finishing in the top three of their age group.
  

• Riders must wear their cycling kit for podium photos. Cycling shoes or suitable sports shoes are permitted.
  
  

Failure to attend the podium ceremony may result in forfeiture of awards or recognition.

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UCI Gravel World Series Medals

Every rider finishing within the top 25% of their age group in a UCI Gravel World Series qualifier receives a UCI Gravel World Series medal.

• Eligible riders must collect their medal from the Event Info Desk (or other location communicated in the Event Guide) at the times indicated in the Event Guide.
  

• Medals must be collected on the day of the event — they cannot be posted or collected later.
  

• The top three finishers in each age group will receive their medals on the podium.

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UCI Gravel World Series Jerseys

The UCI Gravel World Series will award an official UCI Gravel World Series winner’s jersey to:

• The winner of each age category race
  

• The overall male and female winners of The Gralloch
  
  

Eligible riders must wear the jersey presented to them during the podium ceremony.

Podium Ceremony Protocol

Podium presentation times will be announced in the Event Guide and are dependent on rider finishing times. Riders must listen for announcements on event day to ensure they arrive on time.

• Riders must report to the podium waiting area no later than 10 minutes before their scheduled podium call.
  

• Attendance is mandatory for all riders finishing in the top three of their age group.
  

• Riders must wear their cycling kit for podium photos. Cycling shoes or suitable sports shoes are permitted.
  
  

Failure to attend the podium ceremony may result in forfeiture of awards or recognition.

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UCI Gravel World Series Medals

Every rider finishing within the top 25% of their age group in a UCI Gravel World Series qualifier receives a UCI Gravel World Series medal.

• Eligible riders must collect their medal from the Event Info Desk (or other location communicated in the Event Guide) at the times indicated in the Event Guide.
  

• Medals must be collected on the day of the event — they cannot be posted or collected later.
  

• The top three finishers in each age group will receive their medals on the podium.

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UCI Gravel World Series Jerseys

The UCI Gravel World Series will award an official UCI Gravel World Series winner’s jersey to:

• The winner of each age category race
  

• The overall male and female winners of The Gralloch
  
  

Eligible riders must wear the jersey presented to them during the podium ceremony.

The safety of riders, spectators, staff, and local residents is our highest priority. All participants are required to follow these safety regulations and ride with care, courtesy, and respect at all times.

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Helmets

• Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all riders throughout the event. UCI Regulation 3.031 requires helmets to be worn at all times during UCI Gravel World Series events.
  

• Any rider caught without a helmet during the race will be disqualified and removed from the course.

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Fitness & Insurance

By starting The Gralloch, you confirm that you are fit, healthy, and physically capable of completing the event.

All riders must have adequate third-party liability insurance for the event.

• Riders are personally responsible for ensuring they hold appropriate coverage.
  

• This is a requirement for participation in all UCI Gravel World Series events.

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Rider Conduct & Course Etiquette

Please follow these essential safety and etiquette guidelines:

• Keep left on roads and gravel tracks wherever possible, and ride with awareness and good etiquette.
  

• Respect the terrain — gravel surfaces can change quickly. Be prepared for loose stones, mud, ruts, and sudden descents. Ride within your limits.
  

• Closed roads, not closed environments — while public roads are closed to general traffic during Saturday’s UCI race, riders may still encounter vehicles, residents, walkers, riders, or wildlife. Stay alert.
  

• Forestry tracks remain shared spaces — expect to meet hikers, dog walkers, or farm and forestry vehicles.
  

• Communicate clearly — alert others when overtaking (a simple “on your left” helps keep everyone safe).
  

• Obey signage and marshal instructions — they are there for your safety and guidance.
  

• Allow race convoy vehicles or emergency vehicles to pass safely when required.
  

• If you see a crashed or injured rider, check their welfare and report immediately to the nearest marshal or Feed Zone.
  

• If you need to stop, ensure you are clear of the racing line.
  

• No tri-bars or similar extensions are permitted on handlebars.
  

• Leave no trace — do not discard litter, wrappers, or bottles. Use bins at Feed Zones, Rest Stops, or the Event Village.

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Emergencies

In a life-threatening situation, always dial 999 immediately.

The Event Control emergency number is available in the Event Guide and on route signage. Use this to contact event control via call, text, or WhatsApp, quoting your nearest location number.

A dedicated team of UCI Commissaires and Race Officials will oversee The Gralloch to ensure safe, fair, and compliant racing in line with UCI Gravel World Series and all other regulations governing the event.

All participants must follow the instructions of Race Officials, marshals, and event staff at all times. These officials are empowered to enforce event regulations and ensure the safety of all riders and spectators.

All decisions made by the Race Director are final and must be respected.