Race details
The Masters & Junior Championship (Saturday) and Elite Championship (Sunday) races are set to be a true highlight of the weekend, bringing together the best of gravel racing and offering unforgettable experiences across multiple categories.
From the Masters Championships—a thrilling showcase of endurance and skill for riders of all ages—to the Junior Championships that spotlight the sport’s rising stars, and the Elite Championships featuring the UK’s top gravel racers battling for glory, there’s a race for every competitor.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the race format, start times, feed zones, rules for outside assistance, time cut-offs, and more to help you prepare for an incredible weekend of racing.
Dive into the details and get ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime!
The Route
This year’s Championship route is designed to challenge and thrill, whether you’re racing against the clock or tackling the competition head-on.
The ultimate test of endurance and skill as racers face a 120km route with 2000m of climbing. Racing takes place on a 30km lap which riders will need to complete four times.
The lap is nestled in the heart of Dalby Forest on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. This is a gravel paradise with rugged terrain, epic climbs, and exhilarating descents. Its unique blend of beauty and brutality will push racers to their limits while rewarding with awe-inspiring views.
This course is built for champions and will test every ounce of grit and determination racers have.
Full route maps will be unveiled in Spring 2025.
What's included in your enrty
FUlly signposted routes
Our thrilling race route is fully signposted so you can focus on your race and not worry about going the wrong way. GPX files for each route will also be available.
MORE THAN JUST A RACE
Gravel is about much more than racing. Enjoy up to three days of celebration with the gravel community.
RACE FEED ZONE
Each lap you'll have access to a fully stocked Race Feed Zone with water, energy mix, oranges, bananas. This is also where you may receive outside support.
off-bike experience
Prepare for a stellar line-up of panel talks, shakeout rides, music, entertainment and much more throughout the weekend.
mechanical support
Gravel racing can be tough on your bike so we’ve got a
team of experienced mechanics on hand in the Event Village to help make sure your bike is ready for the challenge.
Event Village ACCESS
Enjoy the amazing event village in the heart of Dalby Forest. Packed with food vendors, expo stalls and off-bike activities.
BIKE WASH
Ensure your bike is perfectly clean ahead of your race and back in top condition afterwards by using the complimentary professional bike wash facilities.
stunning route
We've crafted a thrilling race route through the heart of Dalby Forest that is worthy of crowning the best gravel racers.
RACE FORMAT
The British Gravel Championships return to a spectator-friendly multi-lap format which will guarantee exciting racing and fantastic support throughout.
Each lap of the Championship course is 30km with 500m of climbing, set on a thrilling track through the heart of Dalby Forest.
All racers will need to completed 4 laps of the course, resulting in a total race distance of 120km with 2000m of climbing.
All races are mass-start with Masters Championship racers being split into individual start pens based on their age/gender category. Each age-group will then be set off separately.
START TIMES & WAVES
For the first time in it's history the Elite races (Sunday) and Masters + Junior Championships (Saturday) will take place on separate days. This allows for more suitable start times for all races and allows Masters Championships participants to spectate the Elite races.
Elite Championship Races
Sunday (14 September) will see a separate Men's and Women's race. Racing gets underway with the Men's Elite race at 09:00 with the Women's Elite race starting at 13:30.
Masters + Junior Championship Race
Racing gets underway from 10:00 on Saturday (13 September) with all age/gender groups starting from separate start pens with time gaps between each. The final start order and timings will be confirmed closer to the event. Start orders will be optimised to reduce overtaking on course and to guarantee safe and fair racing for all categories.
TIMING & RESULTS
All timing and results are determined by electronic timing using a timing chip attached to the fork of your bike.
All riders in the same start pen will receive the same “time of day” (Gun time) start time. Gun time is your time from when the start gun/horn goes off until you cross the finish line. All results in your age group and for Championship rankings are determined by your gun time.
Live results including interval times at various checkpoints along the route will be available live on race day.
CLASSIFICATIONS
All participants will race against their contemporaries in age and gender groups (or in the Elite or Junior category). You don’t have to be British to race, but only British passport holders are eligible to win the British Champions jersey or feature on the podium.
Elite Race
The Elite race is open to riders of any age but remember you need the legs, lungs and skills to compete at the highest level, against the very best gravel racers in the country.
Junior Race
To qualify for the Junior race you must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the event, but not more than 18 on December 31st 2025.
Masters Championship
The Masters Championship will feature the following age groups for both Men and Women: 19-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. Allocation to an age group is decided by a rider’s age on 31st December 2025.
CUT-OFF TIMES
Masters Championship:
Riders must begin their final lap of racing before 4pm (otherwise they will be pulled from the race and placed accordingly). Based on the lastest start wave setting off at 10:30* this allows racers a minimum of 5.5 hours to complete the first 90km of the race route (16.4 km/h average).
For the Elite race only:
Lapped riders will be removed from the race when they next approach the start/finish line. Lapped riders must not impede the progress of the lapping riders, nor must they manipulate the outcome of the race. The race finishes when the winner crosses the finish line with all riders being placed when they next cross the finish line.
RACE FEED ZONE
Competitors may leave their own identifiable nutrition in the Race Feed Zone for easy access. Some nutrition products and hydration will also be available on a grab and go basis.
Helpers may also hand out nutrition in this area ONLY. Outside support is only allowed in this area and nowhere else on route.
The Race Feed Zone will be clearly marked and located close to the Event Village and Start/Finish line.
RIDER INSURANCE
All participants must have third party liability insurance to cover all eventualities. This can be obtained from various providers and as part of some national federation membership schemes. Proof of cover may be required.
OPTIONAL BAG DROP
Take advantage of our convenient bag drop service to make your ride hassle-free!
Simply leave a bag with us at the start, and we’ll keep it safe while you’re out enjoying the racing. Whether you need a change of clothes, extra gear, or some post-ride essentials, your bag will be ready and waiting when you return.
WHERE TO STAY
Discover the perfect place to stay in North Yorkshire, where a wide variety of accommodation options await.
For the best-value option, don’t miss out on our official event campsite adjacent to the Event Village. Immerse yourself in the full event experience with convenient access to all the weekend’s activities and stunning surroundings.
There are also plenty of family-run country inns, cosy B&Bs, hotels, remote eco-lodges and scenic campsites.
Provisional Programme
Get ready for an action-packed weekend! Our provisional event program is filled with exciting activities, including inspiring panel talks, shake-out rides, entertainment, and much more.
Whether you’re here to ride, connect, or just soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the British Gravel Championships weekend.
