Focal Events, the organiser behind several of the UK’s leading gravel races, has announced that Specialized and Hutchinson have joined as official sponsors for this year’s Dalby Grit.
The event, now in its second edition, takes place in the North York Moors National Park on the weekend of June 19-21, 2026. The 110km route utilises the trail network around Dalby Forest, featuring a mix of steep climbs, descents, and flat sections.
Specialized joins as the official bike sponsor for the 2026 season. The brand is a major player in the international cycling market, with its gravel bike range frequently featured in elite-level competition.
Symon Lewis, UK Marketing Manager at Specialized, said “Dalby Grit is quickly becoming one of the standout gravel events in the UK, so we’re thrilled to be involved. More importantly, we are really happy to support Bryan and the Focal Events team in their incredible work they have done for the gravel scene over the past decade.”
French manufacturer Hutchinson joins as the official tyre sponsor. To support participants on the event’s technical terrain, the company will provide course-side aid boxes containing spares to assist with mechanical issues during the race.
Luc Herbert, Head of Communications at Hutchinson Cycling, said “Gravel racing is about pushing the boundaries and relying on equipment that won’t let you down so the challenging terrain of Dalby Forest will provide the perfect proving ground for our range of performance gravel tyres.”
Both brands will have a presence in the Dalby Grit event village. Hutchinson will provide technical advice on tyre setup and offer free fitting for its gravel range, while Specialized will showcase its latest gravel technology and bikes.
The event will also include a Hutchinson Strava Segment competition, with podium opportunities and prizes for the fastest riders on a specific section of the course. The inaugural event in 2025 saw 300 participants, with organisers expecting a larger field for the 2026 edition.
Based in northern England, Focal Events specializes in mass-participation cycling challenges. The team focuses on delivering high-performance events while maintaining close links with local communities in the regions where they operate.
www.dalbygrit.cc
www.focalevents.co.uk
