Grand Raid Cristalp - Sun 20 Aug 2006

The Grand Raid Cristalp is the world’s longest mountain bike race in a single leg peaking at 2′792 meters. Six valleys, 131km, differences in elevation totalling 4′700 meters. Taking place in Switzerland its profile is spiky! This is the marathons seventeenth year.

There is a shorter option of 76Km (’”only” 2879M of climbing) which starts from Hérémence and follows the last portion of the race to the same finish at Grimentz. Both events have a 2000 people limit and appartenyl this is often met. There is some high a bike in this event. Look at the photos from 2005.

This very well organized event costs 70 Euro (100Sfr) to enter, with 30Sfr for a return bus to the finish. The toughness of the event is equalled by a DFN risk the rider fails to cross checkpoints by a certain time.

All along this exhilarating course there are stretches requiring tremendous technique. The first climb is a jaw dropping 10% gradiant right off the starting line. The ride also consists of beaten trails and stone outcroppings that represent a genuine torture test for every participants and their equipment.

Registration for the event is on Sat 29th from noon till 7pm, where you pick up your number and free gifts, previously these have been an event special rucksack or camelbak or even a clockwork radio. Your bike will be inspected for safety and even tweaked if they think it needs a repair.

Verbier <http://www.verbier.ch> awakes at 5am, with most places selling big pasta breakfasts to get you started, the start is on the town main shopping street and is easily accessible from the whole resort. Get there about 30 minutes before the 6.45am start and place your bag on the free truck to the finish, make sure the name tag is secure. This is even worth doing if you are returning to the start, as you can send on clothes/towel and food/drink to meet you at the end, boy you will need them.

Time controls are imposed at points along the route, if you don’t meet them then you are on the bus and sent to the finish. Even being late by one minute will see you eliminated. Remember they are swiss and watches were invented here!

Here is a detailed profile map and ascent chart.

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