Benet Christian

22e participation

 Sauvain Olivier

22e participation

Balmer Raymond

21e participation

If during a famous weekend of August you cross them on the bike, especially do not forget to encourage them and of course congratulate them as it should be! 

  During his 22^nd registration, one of them said: 

 « Me, Fool? Sado? Calibrated? Cracked? Not that I know…  Passionate, nature lover, loving the taste of the effort, the mountains, the smells, the landscapes, the Valais, the speed, the emotions, the atmosphere, the challenges, YESSSSSS!!!!! I think of being a little bit like that and that’s right my love for the Grand Raid, and all these things give me pleasure. These are the ingredients for my loyalty to this endurance race. »

We say BRAVO and THANK YOU for these wonderful year… !

KARL PLATT WINNER OF THE EDITION 2010

A few days after the race, how do you feel?

Many impressions still rest with me. First I have to work on and digest that which has happened. I look at many of the images of this event and I am astounded by the landscape and the atmosphere. I participated for the first time and I did not know what was to be expected. It was a wonderful experience to do “the mother of all marathons” and above all win.

How did you experience the race and its after-math?

The race unfolded like a film. After the start in the night one tries to go at ones own rhythm and one hopes that one doesn’t have a low performance on this long distance. There were many spectators who encouraged us along. The peak was, for sure, the Pas de Lona. One mounts it as if in a trance, in fact, one does not really realise, what is happening. These are the good sensations. On being the first to cross the finish line, I could not believe that I had won. There after, I was enormously happy. I very much appreciate this important victory. 

In retrospect, would you have changed anything in your preparation and in your tactics in the race?

If one has won, it is because one has done everything right. I would change nothing.

What do you think of the new course?

I did not know the old course. I can only talk of the new course. The distances and the differences in height are enormous, but that makes this race the one that it is: The Grand Raid. There have been professionals who have said that it was too long and that the old course was already difficult enough. I cannot judge. It was without doubt difficult, above all for the competitors who were a little less fit.

French Man in 2^nd place 

Winner in 2007 and 3^rd place in 2000, the French man Thomas Dietsch finished second at one minute and 50 seconds of the leader Karl Platt.

Thomas Dietsch, winner of the World Cup in 2007, accomplished a great performance between Verbier and Grimentz. Tom, as called by those close to him, has already an exceptional visit card. The Alsacian of the team Bulls, he dreams of becoming the Mountain Bike marathon champion of the world.

Thomas, a few days after the race, what are your sentiments?

I am happy to have participated in the Grand Raid and to have been able to achieve a new podium. The Grand Raid is for me THE mythical race. When I started on the mountain bike, it was a small dream to be able to participate and to reach the finish. Today, this dream is realised. I have mounted all the levels of the podium(1^st in 2007, 2^nd this year, and 3rd in 2000).

How have you experienced the race and its after-math?

The race was hard, long…very long. My sensations were good and I have succeeded to do a race regularly trying always to master my output (148 average heart beats). The hardest passage for me (as for many competitors I think) was the one of Pas de Lona.

The finish was really nice, many interviews, questions, congratulations! And much joy and surprise with Karl, my team-mate of the team Bulls. A double on the Grand Raid (1^st and 2^nd) was unhoped for.

In retrospect, what would you have changed in your preparation and tactics for the race?

My arrival on the Grand Raid this year was unforeseen. I had therefore not trained specifically for the race. I was leader of the Trans Schwarztwald (race of phases in the Black Forest of Germany). I had to give up when on the 5^th phase due to a mechanic break-down. I had only one day of recuperation before the start of the Grand Raid! It was really unexpected to find myself in the lead group! I arrived on the Grand Raid this year more to follow the course, and enjoy the atmosphere and the magnificent landscape!

What do you think of the new course?

The new course is beautiful but maybe too long for my taste. The old one was already sufficient.

4^th place between Verbier and Grimentz

 The Valaisan Alexandre Moos gives an account of his impressions on the 2010 edition of the Grand Raid.

In 2009, the competitor of the BMC Racing team achieved 1^st place in the Grand Raid. On the occasion of its 20^th anniversary, he established a new track record between Verbier and Grimentz. One year later, on an elongated track, he came on certain difficulties along the passage through Mandelon and on mounting the A Vieille.

Alex, some days after the race, what are your sentiments?

It was a fantastic race, very quick with a great selection of competitors. The suspense was complete.

How did you experience the race and its after-math?

In the first place I had to rise very early. The race got off at a good start. Then, the head group, in which I found myself, had settled into its rhythm in full knowledge that the race was going to be very long. Until the start of the ascent of Mandelon, everything went very well for me. From then on, I found myself in difficulty. I was worn down by the singles of Mandelon. I did not negotiate it at my best. After that, I came across another bad passage on mounting the A Vieille. I refound my spunk at the start of the Pas de Lona where Alain and Grerard were waiting on me, my forerunners. I made the best time on this ascent. On the descent to Grimentz, I took over Huber 3 km before the finish. I finally finished at 6 minutes from the leader Platt. To win this 21^st edition, I had to be in very good shape. After the race, I was disappointed. But that’s sport. I’m eager to thank all my staff for their spotless assistance.

In retrospect, would you have changed anything in your preparation and your tactics in the race?

Yes, after this go, I’m taking note that the three first competitors of Eiger Bike have been paid for their efforts one week ago in the cold and the rain at the end of the course between Verbier and Grimentz.

What do you think about the new course?

I think that the old course was sufficiently long. I thank and congratulate all the organisers and volunteers of the Grand Raid for offering us the chance to cross our mountains in complete security and in good spirit. Long live the Grand Raid and see you again in 2011.

Account by

Bernard Mayencourt

Fabienne Heinzmann: the perfect race

To make the link between Verbier and Grimentz, along the elongated track, it is of necessity to have an enormous dose of courage and morale without a moment’s weakness. Fabienne Heizmann, the friend of Alexandre Moos the victor of 2009, won with flying colours this 21^st edition. She recounts her adventure.

“ In 2001, I rented a mountain bike to participate in my first Grand Raid between Heremence and Grimentz. I finished in the top 10. Since then, I have achieved several podiums along the track before I met with bad luck between Verbier and Grimentz in the following years.”

Things were not always easy for the smiling and charming athlete of the origin Visperterminen. This year, after having abandoned the course in 2009, the tables turned. Fabienne Heinzmann recounts her full story.

“I did a fantastic season of racing. I enjoyed it immensely. I decided to participate in the Grand Raid just a week before the sporty cyclist Alex Moos. I had good premonitions. With Job Vouillamoz and Xavier Charles, we got to know the new track. I took pleasure in it. I said to myself: “I can do it, I feel good with it.”

In the first couple hours on the saturday morning, Fabienne Heinzmann left Verbier headed in the direction, Grimentz. “For the start, I found a good rhythm. I was doing psychologically well. Everything was proceeding as it should. I had plenty respect for the long stretch. 7 hours and 30’, already long. With another hour and a half to go, its hard. I stayed well within my tempo up until Nendaz. I felt like I could go faster. It was great.”

The protégée of the team BMC, Alex Moos was in pursuit: “After Heremence, a new race started. From this moment on, I took over a good number of competitors. I was completely confident. Up until Mandelon, things were going well. I new that if I kept up my rhythm the victory would be mine. Along the descent, I advanced with prudence. I knew the assent between Evolene and A Vieille very well. I was at ease. I was enjoying myself immensely. Because I knew that I could win, I was very motivated. I thought of the people that were waiting for me in Grimentz. It was fantastic. Along the assent, direction Pas de Lona, I very much appreciated the encouragement of my ushers, Alain Gygax and Gerard Anzenberger. The public was also extraordinary. All my competitors were leaving the passage well open for me. I want to thank them very much. Along the descent, I knew my way and took no risks. I stayed very concentrated. At the end of the passage, some 500 meters of the finish line, I let out a huge cry of joy. I was happy. The line crossed, I fell into the arms of my “sweetheart”. It was a moment of great happiness.”

One could say almost a real fairy tale……….

Fabienne Heinzmann is very appreciative of all those who surround her. “ Laurent and Pierrot have helped me enormously with their supplies and refreshments. They are indispensable for my confidence. It was perfect. That motivated me. Tactically and technically, I have learned a lot from Alex. Without his priceless advice, I would never have won.”

Account by

Bernard Mayencourt