Grand Raid Verbier – Grimentz
Description
From the starting point of Verbier, you climb up a road to the Croix du Coeur and then wind down the MTB trails to La Tzoumaz. After a long transfer section on forest roads with a few isolated trail sections, you pass Haute Nendaz and reach Veysonnaz. Now you climb a good bit before descending a little later, primarily on small roads to Hérémence. One of the reasons for this descent is that this is the start of the "short" Grand Raid route. Those who enjoy riding on trails will prefer this option, as the first section from Verbier is a somewhat trivial slog of kilometers and metres in altitude.
You then roll a good distance into the Val d'Hérémence and then climb up to Mandelon, where you join the wonderful trail that circles the ridge. The descent to Evolène is then again characterized by gravel roads, although great trail sections could be built in here. Instead, there are some great trail sections on the following ascent to Eison before the battle up to the legendary Pas de Lona begins. The first and largest section rides along a gravel road, with the last 400 meters in altitude having to be tackled primarily by pushing. The last few meters in particular are really steep.
The Pas de Lona is the start of what is supposed to be the final descent to Grimentz. But rejoice too soon. The Basset de Lona has to be conquered first. Although this is rideable, it has catapulted many a racer into "misery". The descent to the finish leads over gravel roads in the upper part, further down in the valley floor over a trail that can be quite washed out depending on the conditions.
Conclusion: The Grand Raid route is a classic marathon route with a high proportion of gravel. Nevertheless, it includes some great trails, which makes the route unique in its context. The backdrop of the Valais 4000-metre peaks is also unique, but most racers don't particularly notice them in the face of the exertions.
Map & GPX-Track
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Details of the tour
125 km
5160 m
5070 m
1196 above sea level
2791 above sea level
Verbier
Grimentz
3383
limited
More information
No bike shops are registered for this region. Registration as a partner takes place here.
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About the author: Thomas Giger
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