The 22nd edition of the Grand Raid Cristalp has begun – in terms of getting bikes numbered and checked. The Swiss race in the Valais Canton is somewhat unique in its Technical Control, where all bikes must be assessed by a qualified mechanic, checking the tyres, wheels, brakes, shifting and general reliability and safety of the bike. There are countless service bays for bikes that are not deemed suitable, and the repairs are performed by a skilled team of mechanics.
The logistics do not end here though. The technical control and sign on occurs at the Sion Barracks, down in the valley. The four distances start in either Verbier, Heremence, Nendaz or Evolene. All races end in Grimentz. There are buses organised to get to these four start locations, and hopefully they match up with when you want to travel!
With four distances, there are over 2500 avid Marathon Mountain Bike fans in attendance. Each race length will be competitive, and tough. All four involve the grueing climb to Pass de Lona at 2787m. To make matters worse, this is a hard, character building hike-a-bike section. Push or perish.
The Grand Raid is also the second round of the UCI’s new World Marathon Series, and the front end of the field for the Verbier – Grimentz 125km distance looks well stacked. Karl Platt (2010 winner) and Thomas Dietsch from Team Bulls are both strong favourites. Swiss Pro’s Konny Looser, Urs Huber and Alexandre Moos are all potential (or previous) winners. Alban Lakata has just returned from a strong race in the Leadville 100. Will he have emptied his legs, or just warmed them up? With over 5000m of climbing, the Grand Raid is not the place to be fatigued.
The United Kingdom has always attended the Grand Raid well. 2011 sees a strong UK contingent, with the likes of Neal Crampton, Sylvain Garde, Andrew Cockburn, Ant Morris and Ross Calder all in attendance. Plus countless more.
The women’s race has a small but competitive field. With her season so far, Sally Bigham (Topeak Ergon) should be a good bet for the win. But it is a long day, and forecast to be a hot one at 32 degrees C. So anything could happen to even the strongest riders.