The Gralloch 2025 Draws Global Elite to Galloway for UK’s Premier Gravel Event
The Gralloch, the United Kingdom’s premier gravel cycling event and the first UK qualifier on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar, returns this weekend for its third and most ambitious edition yet
Welcoming nearly 3,000 riders from 35 nations, including a who’s who of international gravel talent, The Gralloch 2025 is poised to cement its place as one of the world’s leading gravel events.
Taking place in the rugged heart of Galloway, the event features 111km of relentless gravel with 1,761 metres of climbing across a blend of forestry roads, fast-rolling gravel, and technical climbs. For many riders, it serves as a critical qualification race for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships.
A Standalone Women's Race Leading the Way
Returning after rave reviews in 2024, The Gralloch will once again feature a standalone women’s race start, developed in close collaboration with the event’s elite women competitors. The initiative — a first in major gravel racing — received widespread praise for elevating the level of competition and visibility, and is now firmly embedded in The Gralloch’s race identity.
Elite Race Preview: World-Class Fields, Fierce Battles
In the Elite Women’s race, anticipation is high for another fiercely contested showdown — even in the absence of key names. Defending champion Geerike Schreurs, Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, and Maddy Nutt have all been forced to withdraw late due to injury and illness. Yet the depth of this year’s women’s field ensures the racing will be no less intense. Former Unbound Gravel champion and gravel icon Alison Tetrick (Killochan Cycling Team) makes her Gralloch debut, joined by Tessa Neefjes (Liv Racing) — one of the most explosive riders on the European gravel scene. They’ll line up against a dynamic mix of established pros and rising stars including Amelia Mitchell, Danni Shrosbree (Castelli SOG / Argon18), Hayley Simmonds, Ruth Astle, Barbara Fasoi, Xan Crees, and Joscelin Lowden. With a standalone women’s start ensuring clear racing from the gun, expect bold tactics and high drama from the very first climb.
The Elite Men’s field promises fireworks from the outset, with one of the most talent-packed start lists ever assembled for a gravel race on UK soil. Matthew Holmes (OGT Factor Racing) returns to defend his 2024 crown, but faces fierce competition from a global roster of talent. Nathan Haas (Colnago–Castelli SG) and Petr Vakoc (Canyon Isadore) bring WorldTour pedigree and gravel racing flair, while Freddy Ovett (Zwift Canyon) and Olympic triathlon legend Alistair Brownlee add further firepower. British cyclocross star Cameron Mason (Seven Racing) is one to watch on the technical terrain, as is gravel veteran Ian Boswell (Killochan Cycling Team). The field also features the likes of Jasper Ockeloen (Sockeloen.com), Thomas Mein (Hope Factory Racing), Chad Haga (FELT Racing), Ben Thomas (Ribble Outliers) and Andrew Lydic (#futureofgravel) — each of whom has the potential to animate the race and challenge for the podium. With high speeds, relentless climbs, and razor-thin margins, The Gralloch 2025 is set to deliver a men’s race as thrilling as it is unpredictable.
Live Coverage: A First for UK Gravel Racing
In a major first for gravel racing in the UK, selected segments of both the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s races will be broadcast live, giving fans around the world the chance to follow the action as it unfolds. Coverage will be available via: www.grallochgravel.com
Live timing and rider tracking will also be available on the event website throughout the race, allowing fans and supporters to follow their favourites in real time.
In addition, comprehensive social media coverage will bring the atmosphere and action to life — including behind-the-scenes insights and on-the-ground race reporting hosted by gravel pro Maddy Nutt on The Gralloch’s Instagram and other platforms.
Festival and Community
While the racing takes centre stage, The Gralloch is a full weekend festival of gravel culture. New for 2025 is the addition of a Sunday Sportive, allowing amateur riders to experience the same iconic terrain in a non-competitive format. Visitors can also enjoy a vibrant event village with demo rides from leading bike brands, talks with elite athletes, mechanic workshops, live music, great food and drink, and more.
“We set out to build something truly world-class — and The Gralloch has quickly become a fixture on the global gravel calendar,” said Maximilian Wussler, Event Director and Co-Founder of The Gralloch and Red On Sports. “More than just a race, The Gralloch is a celebration of gravel culture and community in one of the most beautiful riding regions in the world.”
“Galloway Forest Park, a location renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging trails, is the perfect stage for The Gralloch. Part of an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events taking place across Scotland this year, the event reinforces our reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.
We are pleased to be supporting The Gralloch through our National Events Programme. Events like it play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy. They bring people together, support local businesses, and create unforgettable experiences for all involved. We are delighted to welcome riders and spectators from across Scotland, the UK, and around the world to Britain’s first UCI Gravel World Series event.” - Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland
The Gralloch is proudly supported by industry-leading partners and exhibitors including One Good Thing (OGT), Panaracer, Bioracer, Madison, Argon 18, Spar Scotland, Prestacycle, Fenwicks, Bikmo, World Bicycle Relief, Reilly Cycleworks, Genesis, Guava and Rondo, a range of local partners including Scotland Starts Here, South of Scotland Enterprise, Crafty Distillery, Galloway Lodge, Studio Velo and is backed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, and Dumfries & Galloway Council as part of the national drive to establish Scotland as a global cycling destination.
