The Gralloch - A UCI Gravel Race in Scotland

The Gralloch 2025 Race Report – Royal Leamington Spa Cycling Club

On Saturday, May 17th, five members of the Royal Leamington Spa Cycling Club took on the challenge of The Gralloch, Britain's first UCI Gravel World Series event. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Galloway Forest Park, this 111km race with 1,761m of elevation gain tested skill, endurance, and determination on some of the UK’s finest gravel tracks. The event also served as a qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships, which will take place on October 11-12, 2025, in Zuid-Limburg, Netherlands.

The Club’s Race Performances

Competing across different age categories, the club’s riders tackled the course with varied fortunes. Here's how they fared:

• George McHollingsworth (Male 19-34) – 4 hours 48 minutes, 216th place

• Gerry McScott (Male 50-54) – 4 hours 8 minutes, 75th place

• Alex McCraig (Male 50-54) – 5 hours 26 minutes, 277th place

• Andy McTaylor (Male 50-54) – 4 hours 52 minutes, 224th place

• Emily McNash (Female 35-39) – 4 hours 28 minutes, 66th place

The Gralloch 2025 was no gentle roll through the countryside—it was a gravel battlefield where guts, gears, and occasionally stomach contents were left scattered across the Scottish terrain. Five brave souls from the Royal Leamington Spa Cycling Club took on the challenge, each facing their own personal rollercoaster of triumph, disaster, and gritty determination.

George – A Tactical Chunder & A Fight to the Bitter End

George burst out of the starting gates with all the fury of a caffeinated greyhound, rocketing up the ranks from 293rd to a top 150 spot. The crowd was surely watching in awe—until disaster struck. A suspected carbohydrate overload dragged him into a brutal slowdown, leaving him prey to the ruthless onslaught of older, wiser riders, including the indomitable Gerry. By the final feed station, George had only one move left: a dramatic mid-race purge, a tactical chunder of legendary proportions. Did it help? Maybe. Did he finish? Absolutely. The real victory was his sheer refusal to quit.

Gerry – The Flying Scotsman Charges to the Worlds

If ever there was a rider destined for the rainbow jersey, it was Gerry. Starting alongside Andy and Alex, he wasted no time in powering up the first climb and leaving them behind like yesterday’s news. Everything was going brilliantly—until bottle gate struck. His Temu bottle cage failed him, leaving him with only one water bottle for the remainder of the race. It didn’t matter. Gerry was unstoppable. With grit and sheer stubbornness, he blasted his way into the top 25%, securing his place at the UCI Gravel World Championships in October. The club’s sole qualifier, he now stands on the brink of glory.

Andy & Alex – A Tactical Approach & Arty Instagram Breaks

Andy played the long game, keeping a steady rhythm while picturing the cold pint of Scottish lager waiting for him at the finish line. Meanwhile, Alex was locked in a battle with the cruel Scottish gravel, suffering a brutal tyre split that cost him precious time. Ever the opportunist, Alex decided that if speed wasn’t on his side, aesthetic appreciation certainly could be, snapping scenic bike photos mid-race before rolling in behind Andy.

Emily – A Strong Ride That Ended in Dehydration & Salt-Stained Glory

Emily’s flapjack-fuelled charge put her in prime contention, climbing into the top 25 of her category by the halfway point. But then fate intervened, and her second water bottle took flight, joining Gerry’s in the void of gravel heaven. Dehydration began to take its toll, forcing a slow and painful slog to the next checkpoint. In a spectacular recovery effort, she rallied to finish second-fastest among the team—but just shy of qualification. The jersey she wore across the finish? Decorated with a coat of sweat and salt stains, the mark of a true fighter.

Support Gerry’s Quest for the Rainbow Jersey

With Gerry heading to the World Championships, the club now has a gravel hero in the making. Whether it’s cheering from the side-lines, joining his support crew, or simply donating a bottle cage that won’t abandon him mid-race, the mission is clear—help Gerry bring home the rainbow jersey. Stay tuned for October, where destiny will be decided in Zuid-Limburg, Netherlands!

This was a race that had it all—speed, setbacks, chunder, triumph, and heartbreak. Gravel racing is brutal, but the Royal Leamington Spa Cycling Club proved that grit and glory go hand in hand. Now, onward to Worlds! 🚴‍♂🔥

George and Gerry get a quick cameo in the GCN video at 16mins :30s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyg2Lkt7ueI