As the second round of the UCI World Marathon Series, the Grand Raid was set to be tough. Throw in a forecast for high temperatures, and it would truly test the Marathon Mountain Bikers who took the start.
Given the hot weather, the UCI announced that feeding was allowed to all competitors anywhere on the course, not just within the designated feedzones. This was a common sense decision, to avoid potential health problems.
There was little talk in the start box before the start, with just the usual checking of ear choice, plus some joking amongst the front row. There were an impressive amount of skinsuits being worn for a 125km Marathon.
Soon after the gun there were splits, and it looked like 2010 winner Karl Platt (Team Bulls) forcing the pace. Within the first kilometre there were four distinct groups. UK rider Neal Crampton was well placed, and Sally Bigham (Topeak Ergon) was well up the field in the leading women’s position. A lead group of six was formed by Iserables, with Lakata, Moos, Platt, Deho, Huber and Looser. Into Nendaz Looser was setting a high pace for the second climb – not unlike at the XCM Worlds.
The lead group was down to Platt, Lakata, Looser, Moos and Huber at Mache. Looser had done great work for his team mate Huber, and Platt was now forcing the pace.
From Evolene, the course ascends to Eison, then upwards over the Pas de Lona. This is just brutal. At 2774m high, you actually have to hike up the last 300m or so – vertical that is. It’s at least 30 minutes for most racers. Huber moved into the lead here, and then on the descent, with Platt passing Moos just before the top.
Sally Bigham rode a stunning race, and was never out of first position. She admitted that she never rides for that long, but no doubt the win was just reward for a tough day out.
Full results for all categories and distances can be found here.