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In pictures: Gravel racers take over Galloway town

News imageRed On Sports A line up of cyclists in bright lycra at a starting line-upRed On Sports
The event has proved a major attraction since it was first held three years ago

Thousands of bike riders took over the Galloway town of Gatehouse of Fleet at the weekend for the Gralloch gravel race.

First run in 2023, it saw about 3,000 competitors plus family and friends descend on the area.

The women's race was won by Geerike Schreurs of the Netherlands ahead of Poland's Karolina Migon with fellow Dutch racer Wendy Oosterwoud in third.

The men's race was won by Austria's Lukas Postlberger - once a stage winner at the Giro D'Italia - with Great Britain's Jenson Young in second and Niels Vandeputte of Belgium in third.

News imageRed On Sports A young boy on a bike holds up two fingers for victory while pedalling a green bike. He is in a black top and shorts with a white helmet on and dark glasses.Red On Sports
The event is credited with inspiring the next generation of young racers
News imageRed On Sports Three men dressed in black on bikes including Bradley Wiggins who has a big ginger beard and sunglasses on and a black helmetRed On Sports
Bradley Wiggins was among those in Gatehouse for the weekend's events

This year nearly 50 different nations took to the start line for the event across Friday to Sunday.

Among those in attendance was the winner of multiple Olympic gold medals and the Tour De France, Bradley Wiggins.

The event was shown across the world and is credited with helping to inspire local youngsters to take up cycling.

It also brings a significant boost to businesses thanks to the number of people taking part or spectating.

News imageRed On Sports An aerial view of the tents and cars gathered at the Gralloch event in GallowayRed On Sports
The race brings thousands of riders and their friends and families to the area
News imageRed On Sports A woman on a bike gives a thumbs up, she is in a multi-coloured top with a black and pink helmet. Behind her is a man with a beard on a pink bike with a silver helmet. They are cycling past a lot of chopped wood.Red On Sports
There are a number of events across the weekend for riders of all abilities
News imageRed On Sports A rider on a recliner bike wearing pink and black gear and a black helmet and sunglasses speeds across the gravel in Galloway with trees in the backgroundRed On Sports
The gravel routes of Galloway have become a major draw to the area
News imageRed On Sports A young girl with a pink bobble hat and blonde hair watches a cycling race, she is being held by a woman with blonde hair and a blue hat with glasses resting on it. A man with his sunglasses tipped back on his head with short greyish-black hair and a leather jacket is next to them.Red On Sports
Spectators of all ages gathered to watch the event
News imageRed On Sports A cyclist in a brightly coloured top with their sunglasses up on top of their helmet pauses to take a picture on his phone. He is viewed from between two people looking on that we can only see in outline.Red On Sports
Competitors from nearly 50 countries took part this year
News imageRed On Sports Cyclists race along a dusty track with the tree-covered Galloway hills in the backgroundRed On Sports
The Galloway hills form a dramatic backdrop to the race