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Gravel bike race expands with endurance challenge

Molly ArmstrongBBC Scotland
Red On Sports Two cyclists travel down a forest path, below a blue sky.Red On Sports
A new section has been added to The Gralloch event for 2026

A new gruelling challenge has been added to a gravel cycling event which draws some of the world's elite racers to southern Scotland.

The Gralloch Ultra will cover 205 miles (330km) of the Galloway Forest Park and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Unesco Biosphere on 16 May next year.

It is being added to the annual Gralloch schedule - starting and finishing in Gatehouse of Fleet - which has proved a hit with riders since it started in 2023.

Malcolm Smith, co-founder of organisers Red On Sports, said: "It's not about racing — it's about endurance, mindset and the willingness to keep going."

Red On Sports An image showing a stretch of forest in Gatehouse of Fleet, consisting of a long path, green space and lakes.Red On Sports
Riders are being offered a new challenge next year

The new journey will take cyclists through scenic landscapes, with more than 5,000m (16,000ft) of climbing.

Although the event is only semi-supported, riders are backed by Red on Sports' infrastructure and safety systems.

The new Ultra race will be the focus point of a weekend-long celebration of gravel cycling in southern Scotland.

Full details of the course will be revealed at a later date.

The Gralloch 2026 takes place from 15 to 17 May next year.