Gravel bike race expands with endurance challenge

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."

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.