Gravel bike racing stars gather in Galloway

The world’s elite gravel bike racers gathered in Galloway at the weekend for the latest edition of The Gralloch.

Riders from 35 different nations descended on Gatehouse of Fleet to tackle the 111km (70 mile) route.

After a gruelling race, the men’s elite race was decided by just 0.03 seconds and went to Petr Vakoc.

The women’s elite race also saw a close finish with Tessa Neefjes emerging the winner after a four-way sprint.

The Gralloch describes itself as the United Kingdom’s premier gravel cycling event and is the first to be included in the UCI Gravel World Series.

It has attracted some of the world’s best riders to south west Scotland since it was first held in 2023.

Alongside the elite competitive races it offered a non-competitive sportive this year for amateur cyclists to try out the course.

It also puts on a wide range of entertainment across the days that it is held.

Women’s race winner Neefjes praised the south of Scotland course.

“We had such a lovely day out,” she said.

“With this weather and the atmosphere here it is absolutely one of my favourite races.

“So to win this one is so nice.”