Latest news with #RaidersGravel
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Cycling in Dumfries and Galloway experiences 'transformative' 12 months
South of Scotland Cycling Partnership's review of 2024 has revealed a number of highlights, including major events in Gatehouse and Ae. The past 12 months have been described as 'nothing short of transformative' for cycling in Dumfries and Galloway. The past year saw the official launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C cycle route from Stranraer to Eyemouth as well as a range of improved cycle routes. And the region also played host to major events, with Ae Forest attracting 500 competitors for the British Enduro Championships and both the Raiders Gravel and The Gralloch being based in Gatehouse. These are among the highlights in the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership's review of 2024. The organisation is made up of a number of local and national organisations, including South of Scotland Destination Alliance, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Visit Scotland and South of Scotland Enterprise. Chief executive of SSDA, David Hope Jones, said: 'The year 2024 was nothing short of transformative for cycling in the south of Scotland. 'From hosting world-class events to launching the Kirkpatrick C2C, together we have shown the world what our region has to offer. 'These achievements are not only boosting our visitor economy, they are embedding cycling into the heart of our communities and landscape. 'The SSDA is proud to work alongside partners to ensure cycling continues to play a central role in putting the South of Scotland on the map for active and sustainable travel.' Chair of the council's education, skills and wellbeing committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, said: 'This review is a welcome one and shows how strong an offer we have as an area in relation to cycling. 'I would like to say thank you to all the partners who have come together to collaborate in this work to date, and long may it continue.' SOSE chairman, Professor Russel Griggs OBE, added: 'The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy annual review highlights the exceptional contribution of partners, businesses and community groups across the South who have made positive social and environmental impacts which cycling provides to our region. 'We want cycling to become the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032 in the South, and the review highlights the progress being made to achieving our collective goal.'
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Organisers of major Scottish cycling event announce cancellation of 2025 race
The team behind the Raiders Gravel in Dumfries and Galloway have revealed they are 'taking a break' for 2025. A major Scottish cycling event will not be going ahead this year. Organisers of the Raiders Gravel have announced they are 'taking a break' for 2025. The three-day event has attracts thousands of cyclists from across the world to Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway since it began in 2022. Previous competitors include double Olympic gold medal winning triathlete Alistair Brownlee and Canada's Alison Jackson, who won the Paris to Roubiax Femmes race in 2023. The 2024 version also hosted the British Gravel Championships, with riders testing themselves through the Galloway Forest Park. However, it will not be taking place this year as planned. In a statement, the organisers said: 'Raiders Gravel will be taking a break in 2025. 'Raiders Gravel will not be happening in 2025 as we take time to reflect on the event, explore new ideas, and consider what the future might hold. 'We've loved delivering Raiders Gravel and seeing the passion of everyone who's joined us, but we are aware the current format hasn't quite connected with the wider audience needed to support the kind of top-level, premium experience we're committed to delivering.' Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. Cyclists still keen to enjoy riding through the Galloway Forest can sign up for the Gralloch, which is also based in Gatehouse and takes place over the weekend of May 16 to 18. The statement added: 'For 2025, we would love to invite you all to the Gralloch Sportive, where the combination of rider numbers, strong sponsor backing, and fantastic support from local authorities allows us to create a truly unforgettable event. 'The inaugural Gralloch Sportive is a non-competitive ride taking place as part of The Gralloch weekend. 'You'll still get the stunning scenery, incredible gravel, a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere, and your choice of route length.' 'Entries are still open, and we'd love to see you there. 'To sign up for The Gralloch, click here.
