The UCI Gravel World Series saw more than 1500 cyclists from across the world take to the start line in Scotland Saturday morning for The Gralloch, a 111km gravel race in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

Former pros Matthew Holmes, 30, and Geerike Schreurs, 34, gambled with daring attacks late in the race to build leads big enough to earn solo victories – and starting spots in the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships taking place later this year in Belgium.

Holmes, who hopes to represent Britain in the Team Pursuit at the Paris Olympics this summer, finished the 111km route in 3:12:47, over a minute ahead of Nathan Haas and Petr Vakoc, both credited with a time of 3:14:17. 2024 Zwift Virtual Games Champion Freddy Ovett and Thomas Bundergaard rounded out the Top 5 two seconds later.

Schreurs (Specialized – SD Worx) crossed over the finish line in 3:42:29 to win the women’s race. Nicole Frain and Tiffany Cromwell took the final podium placings with times of 3:42:58 and 3:44:16 respectively. Teesa Neefjes and Amelia Mitchell were next in that order.

From a sold-out field of 1500 competitors, those finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender category automatically qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

Complete The Gralloch results HERE.

Photo Credit: Facebook/grallochgravel

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