I returned for my second experience of the epic event this year. Last year I went to this Swiss marathon without really knowing what I was letting myself in for. This year I was fully aware what was in store -  this made me ride accordingly.

I remembered all the climbing - 4700m; I remembered the early start - 6:30am; I remembered the 25 minute push up to 2700m; but I also remembered the descent down to the finish 16km from 2700m to 1500m.

With 3000 odd people starting in Verbier the start in busy. It starts on the road and climbs up 600m. The mountains looked great as the sun was shining on the snow. It is quite hard to workout what to wear with such an early start in the mountains. Everything that you might take off you have to cram in your pockets or camelbak. There are plenty of food and drink stations along the route so you can do this event without outside assistance.

On some of the long climbs you have to ride at a comfortable pace. You look around you at the other riders and think they are creeping along, then you realize that you are going the same speed!

This year I finished 46th in 7 hours 35 minutes (last year I was 40th) but in the 35-40 age group I was third, this meant a I was up on the podium.

131km Hommes (36-40 ans)

1. Seydoux Martial, 67, Vaulruz 6:45.01,8 (3)
2. Imesch Andreas, 64, Zeneggen 7:34.18,3 (135)
3. Clarke Barrie, 66, GB-Cumbria LA130AR 7:34.20,3 (143)

2004 Grand Raid Cristalp results