An inaugural three-day cycling spectacular based at Gatehouse over the weekend has proved a smash hit.
Raiders Gravel had a real “made in Galloway” stamp. It was conceived by Rhonehouse couple Esther Tacke and Warren Sanders.
The dynamic duo managed to persuade organisers Golazo and event presenters Canyon to bring the race to Galloway.
Both were handed key organisational roles for the challenge over scenic gravel trails through the Galloway Forest Park.
Warren was route manager and Esther oversaw event operations for an international field of more than 100 riders.
Planning is under way for next year’s event and pre-registration for Raiders Gravel 2023 has already opened.
Esther said: “We have proven this can be a world class event in what is a world class location. All the riders said how wonderful it was.
“Everybody came together and it was absolutely beautiful. Galloway really is an amazing shining gem. We do want it back – ideally with the same format.
“Everybody absolutely loved what was our inaugural event. From the elite riders down everyone was so complimentary about what we have here.”
She added: “It was absolutely amazing to see the top riders in action. At the other end of the scale others just wanted to see what was there and push themselves.
“Our main partner Canyon said there wasn’t better gravel anywhere in the UK.”
One of the key funders for the event was the South of Scotland Destination Alliance.
According to Golazo media relations manager Max Wussler, the reaction from competitors has been stunning.
He said: “Some people were honestly speechless about what they saw in terms af the scenery and location they were in.
“A lot of people had never really heard of or considered this region for gravel cycling before.
“Others thought they had seen it all with gravel cycling in the UK – but they were wrong.
“For them it was a massive surprise to see such incredible gravel. We called it a true Scottish gravel adventure and we could not have asked for more.”
Asked about a Raiders Gravel 2023, Max was confident a package could be pulled together with the support of all stakeholders.
He said: “I think the chances are incredibly high. The multi-day format and the evening programme worked really well.
“This event should not be seen as a stand alone one. It needs to be a flagship for a wider strategy of promoting gravel cycling in the region.”
Meanwhile, Esther highlighted the importance of community support in making Raiders Gravel a hit.
She said: “Golazo asked from the very beginning if there was a local charity they could support from the event.
“Warren and I suggested Wheels of Fleet and their coordinator Danny Alderslowe was absolutely admirable.
“He got a lot of kids involved which is very important. They played a major part in the whole thing.
“They did a fantastic job with the bike cleaning and bike maintenance.
“Wheels of Fleet get eleven out of ten for all their work.
“They were absolutely wonderful – riders came back to us to say they were first class.
“One guy’s bike was absolutely knackered but they managed to get him back on the road so ho could finish.
“The integration of children into Wheels of Fleet’s activities was hugely important from a community educational aspect.”
She added: “Raiders really connected with the community and the community benefited in turn.
“This is what we want to grow – it’s not a closed event and is all about working with the community.”
