The Gralloch is held every year in the stunning surroundings of Gatehouse of Fleet in south-west Scotland. For most of the year, it’s a quiet, sleepy village, but once a year it comes alive with cyclists from all over the world, all there to take on what is arguably the toughest gravel race in the UK.

It’s more than just a race, it’s a full weekend of cycling culture. Live music, food stalls, top bike brands, and pro talks from the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Cameron Mason create an incredible atmosphere. If you’re into cycling, there’s not much more you could ask for with Gralloch.

This was my “A” race for 2026, and everything in my training was geared around arriving ready to perform. The goal was to ride a disciplined race, target a finish around the four-hour mark, and push for a top 25% finish in my age category to qualify for the UCI European and World Championships.

My training had been consistent and structured, focused on the demands of the course, long, sustained efforts, repeated surges, and the ability to hold power deep into the race. A big part of that block was getting fuelling right. Throughout the build-up, I relied heavily on VOOM products to support both my training and recovery.

The Pocket Rocket bars with electrolyte became a staple on most rides, with Raspberry easily my favourite flavour. For longer sessions over two hours, I’d bring in the caffeine kick Pocket Rockets to give me that extra lift when fatigue started to creep in.

Post-session recovery was covered with the Rapid Recovery protein shake sachets, while the protein RecoverFudge bars became a go-to for on-the-go recovery, or just a solid snack because they genuinely taste that good.

Alongside that, I used the electrolyte sachets daily, especially as the weather improved, which helped keep hydration consistent across the whole training block. That consistency meant I could train hard without any issues and carry real confidence into race day.

Race morning started chilly, with the threat of showers hanging overhead, but just as we rolled out, the sun came through and gave us perfect racing conditions, almost like a quiet nod from the cycling Gods before we got stuck in. This was my second time racing The Gralloch, so I knew exactly what was coming, but this didn’t make it any easier for me. Speaking to some of the riders in the start pens, it was their first time, and you could sense the mix of excitement and underlying nerves about what lay ahead.

The race starts hard and doesn’t ease you in. Within the first hour, we’re straight into Fluffock Hill, a steep, narrow, and rough climb, full of dust clouds and riders all trying to find their line. For those at the front, this is where races can be won or lost. For everyone else, it’s about riding steady power and surviving the chaos.

The second and third hours were all about discipline. This is where my process goals really came into play: holding my power numbers, staying with the group, avoiding unnecessary efforts on the front, and conserving energy for later in the race. Most importantly, this was where my non-negotiable kicked in, sticking to my nutrition plan. I made sure I was taking on a bar every 30 minutes and keeping on top of hydration at roughly 500 ml per hour. It’s simple, but it works if you commit to it.

By the time I hit the three-hour mark, everything was going to plan. I was feeling strong, with no energy dips, which I put down to fuelling properly from the start. Right on cue, I took my caffeine kick Pocket Rocket, and that was the moment I started to lift the pace and race more aggressively. I began picking off riders ahead and eventually bridged across to a strong group of around eight or nine riders. Settling in with them, I shared a few solid pulls on the front and we started to move well together.

As we approached the final miles, the dynamic in the group shifted. You could feel the tension building, riders getting twitchy, everyone fighting for the right position, knowing attacks were coming. I kept something in reserve, saving the final square of my caffeine bar for that last push.

We hit the village fast. The first left-hand turn was wide and flowing, and as soon as I came out of it, I committed fully gas and launched my effort towards the Gralloch’s final corner and into the last 200 metres, a grassy run-in to the line. That final stretch is a bit of a blur, just full gas with nothing left to give, but I managed to hold it together and win the sprint from my group.

I crossed the line in 4 hours and 5 minutes, completely spent, draped over the handlebars but buzzing. It was just outside my four-hour goal and, unfortunately, just short of the top 25% I needed for UCI qualification. That’s always tough to take, but at the same time, there’s a lot of confidence to draw from. I executed the race the way I planned, stuck to my process goals, and most importantly, fuelled properly from start to finish. In a race like The Gralloch, that makes a massive difference, especially in the final hour when it really counts.

After collecting my medal, it was straight to a well-earned coffee and burger while waiting for the rest of the lads to roll in. Sitting there in the sun, swapping stories from the race and soaking up the atmosphere, it reminded me exactly why events like this are so special.

The margins at this level are small, and this time I just missed out. But I’m close enough to know it’s within reach. With a few small improvements and the same disciplined approach to training and fuelling, I’ll be back to give it another crack.

Top 3 Tips for The Gralloch

For anyone thinking about taking on The Gralloch next year, there are three things I’d really focus on.

First, make sure you’re running tyres with solid puncture resistance. The terrain is unforgiving in places, and I saw plenty of races end early because of avoidable mechanicals. It’s a small decision that can make a big difference.

Second, get your fuelling right. It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the biggest factors in a race like this. Keep it simple and have a plan you know you can stick to for over four hours. For me, that consistency, using VOOM products I’d already trained with, meant no surprises on race day and no drop-off when it mattered most.

Finally, remember to look up every now and then. It’s easy to get tunnel vision, but you’re riding through some incredible scenery alongside hundreds of like-minded people. Take a moment to take it in, it’s what makes events like the The Gralloch genuinely special.