UCI RACE
World-Class Gravel. Scottish Grit.
The UK’s Ultimate Gravel Race.
Welcome to The Gralloch | UCI Race, a UCI Gravel World Series event set in the breathtaking landscapes of southwest Scotland. This is more than a race; it’s a true test of grit, endurance and skill across some of the finest gravel terrain in the UK. Riders will take on a relentless mix of climbs, fast descents and rugged forest trails, all leading to an unforgettable finish in Gatehouse of Fleet.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know before race day — what’s included in your entry, rider classifications, start times, feed zones and key course details. Whether you’re chasing a podium, racing for qualification, or simply taking on The Gralloch for the challenge itself, it’s time to get ready for a race like no other.
Starts from 09:15 on Saturday, 16 May 2026.
Ride Hard. We’ll Handle the Rest.
What's included
Everything you need for an unforgettable race weekend — from pro-level support to a world-class rider experience.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Enjoy the full Gralloch festival atmosphere before and after your race in Gatehouse.
FINISHER MEDAL
A commemorative medal celebrating your Gralloch race achievement.
MEDICAL & EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Our event control team is on standby with full medical and emergency cover.
BAG DROP
Leave your gear safely with us at the start — ready and waiting when you finish.
FEED ZONES
Three feed zones stocked with water, nutrition and a Tech Zone for quick repairs.
MECHANICAL SUPPORT
Expert mechanics in the Event Village to keep your bike race-ready.
TECH BOXES
Strategically placed boxes with tools and spares to help in case of a mechanical.
BIKE WASH
Complimentary professional bike wash, courtesy of our friends at Fenwick’s.
FULLY SIGNPOSTED ROUTES
Every turn clearly marked so you can focus on the race. GPX files available for download.
111 Kilometres of Relentless, World-Class Gravel
THE ROUTE
Get ready for a true gravel classic, a course that captures the raw and untamed spirit of the sport. The Gralloch is more than a race; it’s a test of endurance, skill and determination across Scotland’s wildest gravel. Every climb demands focus, every descent rewards control, and every kilometre reveals the beauty and brutality of Galloway.
The official UCI race route covers 111 kilometres with 1,761 metres of climbing, starting and finishing in Garries Park, right in the heart of Gatehouse of Fleet. With over 80% gravel, the course winds through the stunning Galloway Forest Park, showcasing its lochs, forests and rugged hillsides at their finest.
ready to take on the gralloch?
Whether you’re chasing qualification, racing for pride, or taking on the challenge for the sheer love of gravel, The Gralloch is your moment. Join riders from around the world and be part of this iconic race.
timing & results
All results are recorded using electronic chip timing, with your timing chip attached securely to the fork of your bike.
Riders in the same start pen will receive the same “Gun Time” start — this is measured from the moment the start signal sounds until you cross the finish line.
All results and UCI qualification standings are based on Gun Time. The top three riders in each category will be invited to the podium presentations following the race.
CLASSIFICATIONS
All participants race within their age and gender category, or in the Elite category. Your age group is determined by your age on 31 December 2026.
Categories include (with separate Men’s and Women’s groups for each):
Elite, Junior*, 19–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and any additional 5-year age group as required.
Each category is identified by a distinct colour on your rider number plate for easy recognition.
Please note: The Junior races are not part of the UCI Gravel World Series.
Start Times & Waves
All races begin with a mass start, with riders divided into pens based on age and gender category. Each pen sets off separately with a short time gap between starts.
Some smaller categories may be merged and start together. Riders must start from the correct pen for their category — failure to do so may result in disqualification.
All start pens are located in the Event Village at Garries Park.
To ensure safe and fair racing, the pens will also be split into separate start waves. The first race start is expected at 9:00 AM, with full timings and wave details to be confirmed closer to the event. The Gralloch 2026 will once again feature a standalone women's race.
FEED ZONES
The route includes three feed zones located at 29.1km, 61.1km and 87.1km, each stocked to keep you fuelled and performing at your best.
You’ll find a mix of sports nutrition, energy drink mix, water, bananas and snacks at every stop, ensuring you stay hydrated and energised throughout the race.
Each location also includes a dedicated Tech Zone with spares, tools and a workstand to help resolve any mechanical issues on the spot.
Further details, including specific products and layouts, will be shared in the Event Guide ahead of race weekend.
ELITE CATEGORY
The UCI Gravel World Series features an Elite Category for both men and women, each with its own dedicated start pen.
Riders in this category compete exclusively for qualification to the Elite race at the UCI Gravel World Championships. Those wishing to qualify through their age group must enter their respective age group race, not the Elite category.
To enter the Elite category at The Gralloch, riders must hold a valid race licence bearing a UCI ID number. Your UCI ID must be provided during registration, and your licence will be checked on arrival.
Riders who are members of a UCI-registered team are required to register for the Elite category.
No. If you sign up and start in the Elite category and don’t qualify in the Elite category, you can’t claim qualification in your age group instead, even if your finish time would be within the top 25% of your age category.
Yes. Please follow the instructions here.
NO OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
No outside assistance is permitted. When it comes to drinks, nutrition and mechanical issues riders may not receive assistance from any person other than event staff or other riders.
junior race
The Junior Race gives the next generation of gravel riders the chance to experience The Gralloch and the thrill of racing on Scotland’s world-class gravel. It’s about building skills, confidence and a lifelong passion for the sport.
While the Junior Race is not part of the UCI Gravel World Series and does not offer World Championship qualification, Junior riders will start in their own dedicated pen, racing the same course and distance as all other categories. A podium presentation will follow for the top Junior finishers.
To enter, you must be at least 16 years old on the day of the event, and no older than 18 on 31 December 2026.
Your Path to the World Champs
World Champs Qualification
As part of the UCI Gravel World Series, The Gralloch serves as an official qualifying event for the UCI Gravel World Championships.
To qualify, you must place within the top 25% of starters in your age group. Qualification is based on your Gun Time — the period from when your age group wave starts until you cross the finish line.
All riders who qualify for the World Championships can collect their UCI Gravel World Series medal in the Event Village on race day.
CUT-OFFS
For rider safety and to maintain essential road closures, all participants must complete specific sections of the course within set time limits.
A course cut-off will be enforced at 67.9km, which riders must reach by 4:15 PM (time to be confirmed). Riders arriving after this time will be directed onto a shorter route, rejoining the main course at approximately 87.6km.
Any rider affected by the cut-off will still be ranked according to their position when reaching that point.
optional BAG DROP
Make your race day simpler with our bag drop service. Leave your bag with us before the start, and we’ll keep it safe while you’re out on the course.
Whether it’s a change of clothes, extra gear, or post-ride essentials, your bag will be ready and waiting when you return to the Event Village.
RIDER INSURANCE
All Gralloch participants — regardless of experience — must have third-party liability insurance to take part. This is a UCI Gravel World Series requirement.
Third-party insurance ensures that you and your fellow riders are protected in the event of an accident or crash during the race.
Insurance options and recommended providers will be linked here soon.
where to stay
Discover the perfect place to stay in the southwest of Scotland, where a wide range of accommodation options awaits.
For the best-value experience, choose our official event campsite just outside Gatehouse of Fleet, only a short walk from the Event Village. It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in The Gralloch weekend, with easy access to all activities and the beautiful Galloway surroundings.
If you prefer something different, you’ll find family-run country inns, cosy B&Bs, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, scenic campsites, and even luxurious castle stays across the region.
festival
The UCI Race is part of the wider Gralloch Festival, a full weekend celebrating gravel culture, endurance and community. Riders can immerse themselves in the atmosphere before and after the race, with a packed schedule of activities at the Event Village in Gatehouse of Fleet.
Enjoy panel talks, shakeout rides, food and drink, and a vibrant expo area featuring leading brands and local producers. Whether you are preparing for the challenge ahead or reflecting on the race afterwards, the festival is the perfect place to connect with fellow riders, share stories and experience the spirit of The Gralloch together.
Medical & Emergency support
Your safety is our priority. Red On Sports upholds the highest safety standards across all its events, and The Gralloch is no exception.
A dedicated Event Control team will monitor rider progress throughout the event and coordinate medical or emergency assistance whenever required. If you need help, you can contact the team at any time by call, text or WhatsApp.
We’re here to look out for you, so you can race with confidence knowing that we’ve got your back every step of the way.
Rider & Bike Repatriation
We know that not every rider will make it to the finish line, and your safety is always our priority. If you’re unable to complete the full route, please head to the nearest Feed Zone and wait for assistance. A sweep convoy will pass along each section of the course to collect riders and bikes who can no longer continue, but please be aware that this may take some time.
Shuttle Bus Service
If you’re able to reach Feed Zone #2 (KM 61.1, Otter Pool on Raiders Road), a shuttle bus will operate between this location and Gatehouse of Fleet. The shuttle will depart once full, so please be prepared for possible waiting times.
Bikes and riders may be transported in separate vehicles — bikes can later be collected from the Info Desk in the Event Village. Riders must provide their rider number to the shuttle driver to ensure the Event Control Room is informed and your safe return is recorded.
regulations
The Gralloch UCI Race follows the official UCI Gravel World Series regulations, ensuring fair, safe and world-class racing for every competitor. From equipment rules to rider conduct, you’ll find everything you need to know on our Regulations page — review it before race day to make sure you’re fully prepared.
