The organisation committee for the Grand Raid has confirmed the 22nd edition will be raced on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of August, 2o11. Due to the long and punishing course, the race organisers nominate a whole weekend, not just one day for the race. This allows some felxibility for weather conditions.
If heavy storms have passed, the nature of the terrain in the Valais means one day can be enough for conditions to become safe for racing. The well made forest roads drain well, and the singletrack is typically through areas that don’t hold as much water. As the event is such a huge undertaking due to the various lengths available, large competitor numbers and a variety of stakeholders, the option of two race dates is a common sense option.
Changes for 2011 include a lower entry fee and the removal of the Tracouet ascent from 2010. The old route has been reinstated and entry discounts are available for early entries. Although the traditional route runs from Verbier to Grimentz, there are options to start in Nendaz, Heremence and Evolene. This format is fantastic for friends or couples who want to race, and avoid the lengthy wait at the finish if there is a fitness discrepency. Although the start times are staggered, the aim is to have a more condensed finishing time for all courses.
The four course options are:
Verbier to Grimentz: ~128km and 5000m climbing. This will be verified when the final route is set.
Nendaz to Grimentz: 93km and 3944m of climbing.
Heremence to Grimentz: 68km and 2996m of climbing.
Evolene to Grimentz: 37km and 1845m of climbing.
The Cristalp is a well known event, and worthwhile doing. It is extremely well organised, and includes a mandatory mechanical check of bikes. Feed stations are plentiful, and you may serenaded by alpenhorns along thr route in the early hours. Helicopters, alpenhorns and whirring chains are a symphony unto themselves. Consider one of Europes hardest Mountain Bike Marathons in Switzerlands fine wine growing region, and head to the event website for more details.