UK
Gravel
The Gralloch - Trek UCI Gravel World Series with Sportive Breaks
The TREK UCI Gravel World Series is coming to the UK with The Gralloch.
The Gralloch is the UK’s first and only UCI level gravel race, with riders competing in their age groups not only going for the win but, to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Veneto, Italy this autumn. Qualify in Scotland and book your travel package to the 2023 Gravel Worlds in Veneto, Italy with Sportive Breaks.
The Gralloch is a one-day classics-style gravel cycling race held on May 20th in the stunning Galloway Forest Park in South-West Scotland. Based in the picturesque town of Gatehouse of Fleet, the event is run by the team behind a number of successful gravel events including the King’s Cup, which is the British Gravel Championships, and the multi-day gravel adventure event Raiders Gravel.
The stunning and challenging route takes riders over 113km, with almost 2,000m of climbing, and gives them the chance to race against some top riders, including professionals.
Whatever your ambitions at The Gralloch, if its qualifying for the Worlds, having a laugh or just surviving, it’s sure to be an experience to remember, and we can make it more memorable, with our fantastic accommodation and support packages.
The TREK UCI Gravel World Series is a year-long series of 17 gravel races all over the world. At each of them you can qualify for the World Championships by finishing in the top 25% of your age group. Check out the full list of qualifying events here: https://ucigravelworldseries.com/en/calendar/
And if you qualify we’ve got travel and accommodation packages for Worlds too! More information about our travel packages for the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships in Veneto, Italy can be found here – > UCI Gravel World Championships 2023
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Discounted Event Entry: Our entry is £62 with no booking fees which represents a £10 discount versus booking direct.
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Hotel in Gatehouse of Fleet or Castle Douglas: Hotel in Castle Douglas previously used by Team Ineos. Breakfast and evening meal included in Castle Douglas. B&B in Gatehouse of Fleet
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Transport : Transport to and from the event start and finish in Gatehouse of Fleet.
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Qualify for the World Championships and travel with us there too!: Finish in the top 25% of your age group and qualify for the world championships in Italy. Travel with us to Veneto for the World Champs as well!
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 110KM | 2000M |
4/5
Lots of climbing but either shorter rides or an easier day mixed in. Challenging but suitable for most riders.
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What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel in Gatehouse of Fleet or Castle Douglas
Included Meals
Breakfasts included
Included Meals
Evening meal at Ernespie hotel
Transfer
To and from the event if staying in Castle Douglas
Guided Warm Up Ride
On Friday
Mechanic
Mechanical assistance
Additional Extras
The Gralloch - Trek UCI Gravel World Series
Join the Sportive Breaks team in Scotland in May for the UK Qualifier leg of the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships which will take place in Veneto, Italy in autumn 2023. You will be staying at a hotel near the venue which includes breakfast and evening meal. The hotel has previous hosted the Ineos team and will provide a Sportive menu the night before the event. On the morning of the event we will take you by coach to the start area and at the end of the race, take you back to the hotel.
Itinerary
Expand All
Thursday 18th May : Arrival Day for 3 night stays
Arrival at the hotel in gatehouse of Fleet or Castle Douglas.
There will be a space for you to set up your bikes and resolve any mechanical issues before the event. Our team are available to assist you.
Hotels
Hotel Ernespie is located in Castle Douglas. Stay here and we will provide transport to the start and finish of the event in gatehouse of Fleet. Your stay here will be on a half board basis so with breakfasts and evening meals included.
Hotel Cally Palace is located on the outskirts of the pretty village of Gatehouse of Fleet on the Solway coast. Formerly an 18th century country mansion this is now a wonderful hotel. Stay here on a B& basis so with breakfasts included. Ride to and from the event.
Friday 19th May : Preparation day/ Arrival day for two night stays
This morning after breakfast we offer a guided and supported ride in this beautiful area of Scotland. It would be a waste to come all this way and to not enjoy the area. Full details of the ride will be announced soon.
For those arriving today, we will have your entry available at the hotel so there’s no requirement to visit the event registration venue.
If you’d like to visit the expo, today the Gralloch event will open its event village at 15:00 and closes at 21:00.
- 15.00 – Event Village opens
- 15.00 – 20.00 – Registration and info desk
- 19.00 – Social Ride (details to be announced)
- 21.00 – Event Village closes
For those staying at the hotel Ernespie, you will be able to enjoy a sportive menu before race day tomorrow. Please make your own arrangements for dinner at the Cally Palace.
Saturday 20th May : Race Day
After breakfast at the hotels we will leave for the event start location in Gatehouse of Fleet. The transfer will take about 20 minutes.
Riders staying at the Cally Palce can ride to and from the event start and finish today.
- 08.00 – Event Village opens
- 08.00 – 11.00 – Registration and Info Desk opens
- 11.00 – Registration closes
- 11.00 – Rider Briefing
- 11.30 – Start Pens open
- 12.00 – The Gralloch Race Start
- Podium presentations times are still to be confirmed
- 16.00 – 20.00 – If you have qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy you will be able to collect your medal
- 23.00 –Â Event Village closes
Our transport will take you back to the hotel Ernespie where you can relax and enjoy dinner. Please make your own meal arrangements if staying at the Cally Palace.
Sunday 21st May : Departure Day
After breakfast, please check out of the hotel and depart.
Sportive Options
The Gralloch qualifying series for the world championship is hosted in Gateway of Fleet, Scotland with trails of firm gravel taking you through the hills of Galloway. The route is yet to be finalised, but you will be racing a total of 110km with 2000m of climbing. It will be a tough day out, but completing this course with a qualifying time will see you heading to Italy for the chance to be the best in your age category!
There will be a predetermined time in which the race needs to be completed in. There will be cut off points on the route where competitors will be withdrawn should they be behind the average speed. A broom wagon will be following the race to pick up and support riders.
Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group will qualify for the UCI World Championships in Italy. The world championships will be held in Veneto in October. Here you will battle it out for the UCI rainbow jersey. The qualification time is calculated from when the start gun is fired to when you cross the finish line. You can still participate in this event for a great day out, even if not going for a qualifying time!
Entry packages include
- Fully signed and marked route
- Feed stations with sports nutrition and tools
- Professional timing
- Lead and following vehicles
- Broom Wagon
- Medals for World Championships qualifiers
- Podium ceremony for all age groups
Click the link to find out more information and to book your trip to the UCI World Championships in Italy
Accommodation
Ernespie House Hotel
Gralloch & Raiders Gravel Races
This hotel is set in beautiful ground with views of the local scenery. It is a short walk away from Castle Douglas high street. There is a bar offering a selection of drinks to enjoy whilst taking in the view. The onsite restaurant has a varied evening meal menu, lunch and afternoon tea is also available. Room at this hotel are of a good size and have an ensuite. Complementary amenities and tea/coffee making facilities are also included. There is free on-site parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences Group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team hello@dev.sportivebreaks.com
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