The second edition of the Gralloch, Scottish UCI Gravel World Series qualifier held in Gatehouse of Fleet, once again delivered a world-class event featuring tight battles and high-level racing in the Galloway Forest. The start location had been moved to a nearby field, but most of the race took place on the same roads used during the inaugural event.
In the men’s race, Nathan Haas (AUS) made an early break but was reeled in by Matthew Holmes before the halfway point. Holmes continued to push ahead, ultimately winning by 1 minute and 30 seconds. Haas outsprinted five other riders to secure second place, with Petr Vakoc (CZE) finishing third, followed by Freddy Ovett (AUS), Thomas Bundgaard (DEN), Toby Perry (GBR), and Thomas Mein (GBR).
In the women’s race, which started 1 hour and 45 minutes after the men’s, Geerike Schreurs (NED), who was already runner-up in Austria in early April, emerged victorious. She fought a fierce battle with Nicole Frain (AUS) throughout the race, finally pulling ahead in the last 10 kilometers to win by 29 seconds. Last year’s winner, Tiffany Cromwell (AUS), completed the podium, finishing 1 minute and 47 seconds behind.
