Dalby Grit Returns for 2026 with Championship‑Style Gravel Racing in the North York Moors

Dalby Grit returns to the North York Moors National Park on 19–21 June 2026, bringing a full weekend of championship‑style gravel racing back to Dalby Forest after its standout 2025 debut. Entries are now open.

Organised by Focal Events – the team behind the hugely popular Dirty Reiver – Dalby Grit delivers a demanding 110km course linking Dalby’s extensive trail network. Riders can expect a mix of punchy climbs, fast descents and long, flat-out sections reminiscent of the original US gravel grinder races.

The inaugural edition drew hundreds of riders across multiple age and ability categories, with podium places awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each class. For 2026, the Pro/Elite category will again be open to riders aged 18 and over.

Co‑Race Director Bryan Singleton says the appetite for high‑level gravel racing in the UK is only growing:

“Last year showed us that riders are craving more high‑level gravel racing in the UK and with Dalby Forest we have a setting like no other which provides pristine gravel routes to go head‑to‑head on. We launched entries to our closed community late January and had a really fast response so we’re already set for a great weekend of racing – now we want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to join us.”

The weekend will feature support from industry partners at feed stations, in the event village and for mechanical assistance. TORQ Nutrition, Wahoo and Fenwicks are already confirmed, with more brands to be announced.

Racing will be split across two days:

• Saturday – all women’s categories including Elite, plus men’s 50+
• Sunday – Elite Men and all remaining men’s categories up to 49

Dalby Grit now completes Focal Events’ full gravel portfolio, sitting alongside the festival‑style Gravel Rocks, and endurance staples such as the Panaracer Dirty Reiver and SCOTT Frontier 300.

Entry costs £87.50, including full‑day access to Dalby Forest. More details and registration click here.

Dalby Grit in the UK Gravel Landscape

The UK’s gravel scene continues to expand, and Dalby Grit now sits among a growing roster of major events. Riders looking to build a full season around the discipline can also look toward:

• Dirty Reiver – the UK’s biggest gravel event, with 65–200km options
• The Gralloch -Round 18 of the UCI Gravel World Series
• Graean Cymru – Round 41 of the UCI Gravel World Series
• GRAVEL FONDO CYMRU – Welsh National Gravel Championship race, open to non-Welsh riders
• Exeter Gravel Races – Multi-lap course mostly on gravel fire roads.
• Gravel Rush – A tough 9Km course that can be tackled solo or as a pair.
• GrALBA Series – Epic routes, wild terrain, and festival vibes on Scottish gravel
• Glorious Gravel Series – Six races across the country from Suffolk to the Welsh Valleys.
• British National Gravel Championship – Previously organised by the folks that brought you the Gralloch, this year British Cycling have taken over; details tbc…

Dalby Grit’s blend of fast racing and technical forest terrain gives it a distinctive place in the calendar. The race’s rapid uptake suggests it’s becoming a must‑ride fixture for competitive gravel racers. Read our interview with New Zealander, Ryan Christensen who tells us what it’s like racing with the elites in the UCI Gravel World Series.