Organisers of a Gatehouse-based cycling spectacular this autumn have vowed to make the race a world leader.
Around 500 teams from across the globe are expected in the town for Raiders Gravel Galloway on October 7-10.
The challenge will feature an event village in Garries Park with race stages taking place on forestry roads.
Event planning experts Golazo Cycling chose Kirkcudbrightshire for its miles of gravel tracks and stunning scenery.
Director Malcolm Smith said: “We’re stoked to bring this incredibly unique event to the stunning region around the Galloway Forest Park.
“Our goal is to create the world’s leading full-service gravel cycling event and to showcase the spectacular wilderness and beauty of the region to a global audience.
“We aim to welcome gravel and outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe to the south of Scotland whilst inspiring the next generation of cyclists in the region.”
Golazo have partnered with local bike access group Wheels of Fleet as one of their nominated community groups.
All riders have the option of making a donation during the registration process to support the charity.
The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), the council and South of Scotland Enterprise are backing the event.
SSDA project manager Jemma Reid said: “We believe it is a great addition to the suite of cycling events that we have under way this year. The SSDA is working to transform our region into a world-class destination.
“The cycling community and cycling events such as Raiders Gravel will play a big role in helping us become the go to location for visitors looking for the best two-wheeled adventures in Scotland,”
Golazo were made aware of the area’s huge gravel cycling potential by Esther Tacke and Warren Sanders.
The Rhonehouse-based duo run Galloway Cycling Holidays and regularly post photos of their outings on social media.
If the event is a hit Golazo aims to make the festival the world’s top gravel cycling event.
Council events champion Adam Wilson said: “We have so much for cyclists to explore and enjoy and our villages and towns are charming to visit.
“After the terrible stresses caused by the coronavirus pandemic, I hope hundreds of people will participate in the festival and enjoy our great outdoors.”
Meanwhile, organisers want to make the event more widely accessible to underprivileged and under-represented people in the cycling community.
Ten 10 team entries (20 riders) can apply for a Gravel Grant via the Raiders Gravel website.
Nominations and self-nominations are welcome.
Interested riders are asked to contact via the event website or info@raidersgravel.com.
The official trailer can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ra1_KaIM4.
