UK
Gravel
The Gralloch with Sportive Breaks
The UCI Gravel World Series are coming to the UK in 2023. Qualify in Scotland and book your travel package to the 2023 Gravel World in Veneto, Italy with Sportive Breaks.
Whether you’re looking to qualify for the world championships, or just wanting an amazing day out in the saddle, then this event is not one to be missed. Whilst this series offers a taste of what it’s like to race in the pro peloton at the front, don’t let that put you off if you’re simply looking to tick off this course as an achievement and enjoy the ride. Just like a sportive (but bigger) it’s an awesome event to put in that calendar, train for and partake in what will be a true on and off-road experience on the bike!
The Gralloch is a one-day “classical style” gravel cycling event held on May 20th in the stunning Galloway Forrest in Dumfries and Galloway. The event is based in the picturesque town Gatehouse of Fleet and run by the team behind a series of successful gravel events and the Tour of Cambridgeshire, the biggest UCI Gran Fondo worldwide.
The UCI Gravel World series is a series of qualifier events in different countries that allows amateur cyclists to qualify for the World Championship by finishing in the top 25% in their age category. The UCI Gravel World Championships will be in Veneto, Italy in October 2023. The UCI Gravel World Championships first took place in 2022 with a stellar field of pro cyclists sharing the start line with amateur riders. Check out the full list of qualifying events here: https://ucigravelworldseries.com/en/calendar/
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking.
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Hotel in Castle Douglas: Hotel previously used by Team Ineos. Breakfast and evening meal included.
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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: Finish in the top 25% of your age group and qualify for the world championships in Italy.
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Book your travel to the World Champs with us: Qualify in Scotland and 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 Castle Douglas
Included Meals
Breakfast and Evening meal
Transfer
To and from the event
Guided Warm Up Ride
On Friday
Mechanic
Mechanical assistance
Additional Extras
Sportive Entry
Available
The Gralloch
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
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Thursday 18th May : Arrival Day for 3 night stays
Arrival at the hotel in 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.
Settle in and enjoy evening meal at the hotel.
Friday 19th May : Preparation day/ Arrival day for two night stays
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
At the hotel you will be able to enjoy a sportive menu before race day.
Saturday 20th May : Race Day
After breakfast at the hotel we will leave for the event start location in Gatehouse of Fleet. The transfer will take about 20 minutes.
- 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 – Event Village closes
Our transport will take you back to the hotel where you can relax and enjoy dinner.
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
- GPS tracking of all riders
- 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 Gravel Race
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
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