Crankbrothers Racing Team: Grand Raid Godefroy

In the very beginning when Peter and I started riding marathon distance, Grand Raid Godefroy in Bouillon was one of our yearly events. Over the years we more than once had rain, a lot of rain during this event. At that time it was organized by another organisation and honestly it was not the best one.

So we planned in a race in Germany (Vulcan Eifel bike marathon). In the meanwhile GRG returned with a new organisation, new routes and different Start and finish place. Last year they organised the national championship, so a good reason to go back.

This year it fitted in for the World Championship preparation. Also a brilliant opportunity to ride it in dry conditions. And first time Peter would ride the new trails.

Goal of today: Last heavy training on the MTB so ‘Ride your heart out!’ And if I see my heartrates from during the race I almost literally did that. Peter’s words at breakfast: "Attack from the start and keep a high pace till the finish."

Endura / Canyon / AbsoluteBlack

Warm up

Peter @ the startline

Tactically I made sure I was the first women on the start line so I would have a very good idea in which position I was riding during the race. I started hard and my legs didn’t mind. I did had a youngster in my wheel but I was pretty confident she wouldn’t be able to hold this pace all race long because here breathing got more heavy and I know how that feels.

As usually I had to make sure I would fill up my bottles on time so I wouldn’t get in trouble. I memorised the feed zone places. Arriving at the first feed zone I decided not to stop. It was time to get a gap and I was sure I would make it to the second feed zone before getting out of Overstims.

Everything worked out as I hoped and I was able to ride the rest of the race in leading position. Filling up the bottle went smoothly. The volunteers of the organisation were helpful, fast and super friendly!