This weekend was the first ever official British National Gravel Championships, held up in the Forest of Ae in Dumfries and Galloway, it is one that the team and Ribble HQ will be talking about for a long time. The team took all four of the elite national jerseys, and with seven riders on the start lines, every single one of them came home with a medal.
Sunday's gravel races were the big one, and for two of our riders it was the day the whole season had been working up to. Sophie Wright started the year with this race circled, and then six weeks ago she broke two ribs in a training crash. Most riders would have written the summer off but no Sophie. She won the women's national title, with a clear gap back to the rider behind her, and there were a few tears at the finish, and not just hers.
After some disappointment with 3rd last year, I've spent 365 days working for this title. I attacked after one of the steepest climbs, then went solo for 70km to the finish. I gave it everything, and was so happy to share this victory with the team once I crossed the line.
Sophie Wright
Jenson Young then made it a golden double, adding the men's gravel title to the TT jersey he had won the night before, and finishing the weekend as a double national champion. Like Sophie, he did it with daylight back to his nearest challenger, and in a field that included WorldTour riders like Ben Swift.
An amazing weekend for the team winning all 4 elite national titles, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it and be able to wear the stripes on my back for a year and fulfil my main goal of my season. The hard work that went into this race from myself and everyone else around makes these victory’s even sweeter.
Jenson Young
There was a nice bonus in the men's results too. The organisers ran an additional 30 to 40 age category across the TT, which meant Ben picked up a second jersey as category champion, with Harry Tanfield second, and Metheven Bond third. Three more medals for the collection before Sunday had even started.
Weekends like this are why we're in gravel. It's a young category, and backing British riders to win at national level, with bikes built off the back of what they teach us in racing like this, is something we're proud to put our name to.
The team now head to the European Championships.
Follow the Ribble Outliers on Instagram for everything from the trails, and see the bikes that won the jerseys.
I’m really pleased to retain the TT title - I put a lot into this one and my was strong and measured. I’m also pleased with my performance in the race, and helped control the group behind Sophie
Abi Smith
As a brand, weekends like this are why we're in gravel. It's the fastest growing category in cycling and still young enough that a British team can help shape where it goes, so backing riders at this level, and giving them the equipment and support to win, is something we're genuinely proud to put our name to.
THE BIKE BEHIND THE RIDE
ULTRA-GRIT: Outliers Team Edition
At the heart of every ride was the ULTRA-GRIT—the bike built for elite gravel racing. Designed for speed, control, and durability across the roughest terrain, it delivered everything the team needed at Dalby Forest. From technical singletrack to lung-busting climbs, the ULTRA-GRIT proved itself once again where it matters most—between the tape.
Thinking about getting into gravel riding or ready to upgrade your bike? Explore our full gravel range and find the ride that’s built for your next adventure.
We Came, We Saw, We Conquered.
All four elite national jerseys, a medal for every rider, and a comeback story six weeks in the making. This is how the first ever official British Gravel Championships went for the Ribble Outliers.
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Outliers at the British Gravel Championships: Grit, Glory & Podiums
The British Gravel Championships at Dalby Forest delivered a weekend of all-out racing, changing weather, and fierce competition. For the Ribble Outliers, it was a chance to test themselves against the country’s best—and they rose to the occasion. From time trial victories to championship podiums, the team showcased grit, strength, and the performance.
Backing British Gravel: Ribble at the British Gravel Championships
At Ribble, cycling has always been more than just bikes. It’s about community, progression, and giving back to the sport that shapes us. That’s why we’re proud to be the presenting partner of the 2025 British Gravel Championships – an event that showcases the very best of one of cycling’s fastest-growing disciplines.
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