The Gralloch: Top gravel racers revel in Galloway challenge

Gravel racing has enjoyed a boom in popularity recently and fills a gap between road, cyclocross and mountain bike racing.

It is held on gravel tracks but often with stretches of paved road to link to off-road sections.

The bikes have wider tyres in order to help cope better with the tricky terrain.

Last year’s The Gralloch drew nearly 1,000 riders to the south of Scotland and this year about twice that number registered to take part.

The trails of the Galloway Forest Park provided a stern test for the competitors once again.

British rider Holmes said he would savour the victory in what had been a tough race.

“The Gralloch will always have a special place in my racing life, adding to my World Tour victories,” he said.

“This event was significantly harder than last weekend’s victory at the Lincoln GP, showing the level of European gravel racing.”