Thousands of cyclists from around the world head to Dumfries and Galloway for The Gralloch
Nearly 3,000 riders from around the world are descending on Dumfries and Galloway.
The Gralloch is being held for the third time in Gatehouse and the Galloway Forest Park and it has become one of the UK's leading gravel events.
Riders from more than 35 nations, as well as spectators, teams and industry exhibitors, are coming to the event, which is part of the UCI Gravel World Series.
That means elite athletes have the chance to qualify for this year's UCI Gravel World Championships.
Saturday's race will be followed by a non-competitive Gravel Sportive on Sunday, giving hundreds more riders the chance to tackle the course.
Event director and co-founder, Maximilian Wussler, said: 'This weekend is a milestone for the south of Scotland.
'We're showcasing Galloway not just as a world-class gravel cycling destination, but as a region full of community spirit, natural beauty, and potential for adventure tourism. It's incredible to see the global cycling community discovering what we've known all along — this place is special.'
The special event village will be open from 9am on Friday with a shakeout ride starting from the clubhouse at 10am. This is a chance to join event co-founder Malcolm Smith for a group ride along the first 30km of the Gralloch route.
Another ride follows at 2pm, with the 32km route including the final 10km of the race route.
In the evening there will be rider talks and interviews from 4pm on the main stage in Garries Park, with the elite riders being presented at 6.30pm. Live music follow from 7pm.
The big day on Saturday sees the main Gralloch UCI race, with waves from 9.15am until around 11.15am. The leading men are expected back around 1pm with the elite women around 3.20pm.
Ahead of the finish line celebrations, the kids race will take place at 12noon, with more entertainment in the evening.
The focus switches to the sportive the following day, with riders setting off from 8.30am.
The event is supported by Event Scotland, part of VisitScotland, and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Head of EventScotland, Rebecca Edser, said: 'We are pleased to be supporting The Gralloch through our national events programme. Events like it play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland's visitor economy.
'They bring people together, support local businesses, and create unforgettable experiences for all involved. We are delighted to welcome riders and spectators from across Scotland, the UK, and around the world to Britain's first UCI Gravel World Series event.'
Chair of the council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, added: 'Gatehouse of Fleet and the UCI Gralloch Gravel World Cup are a perfect match. The Council is delighted to support this world class event and showcase our region's wonderful cycling trails.
'Cycling is such a healthy way to keep fit, take exercise and get out and explore. I welcome the many competitors and visitors to Dumfries and Galloway who have been inspired to come to south west Scotland due to this exciting event.'
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