ANCIENT TRAILS

New race from XTRI 'the restless' combines cold water, ancient trails, mountains and lots and lots of gravel. Our man Iain couldn't sign up fast enough...!

- IAIN VEITCH

Hurtling down a forest road at 60kph the smooth surface suddenly vanishes and is replaced by a section of large stones/small boulders. I haven't time to brake so instead (try to) relax and hold on for dear life. I pray to the mechanical gods that my tyres, rims and everything else will stay in one piece. After some seriously colourful language I remind myself of the organiser's words at the race briefing: Time to pull myself together and get on with it.

I am in the hills of Scotland, about halfway through the inaugural Restless Extreme Gravel Triathlon. The latest race to be launched by the XTRI World Tour and organisers behind such races as Celtman and Himalyan XTRI, it's certainly living up to the title...

A VERY SCOTTISH AFFAIR

The backdrop to the 1.8k swim is about as Scottish as you could get. Castle: check. Huge sea loch: check. Stunning mountains: check. Bloodthirsty midges intent on sucking you dry before getting into the water: double check!

Before the start I head for some quality me time in one of the portable loos. As I'm about to sit I realise that I have already zipped up my tri suit and put on my neoprene thermal vest. The ensuing struggle is epic!

When I eventually exit the next person in line gives me a strange look. I haven't the heart to explain what all the grunting or groaning was for or why I'm sweating. Instead I fail to make a joke about pre-race warm-ups and nervously shuffle down to the loch.