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The organisation plan of the Grand-Raid is presented as follows:
- The central committee, which as the general assembly operates as the central organ and defines the strategy for the Grand-Raid. - The committee director is the operational organ of the Grand-Raid. - The race committee has a president and a technical advisor and is surrounded by chiefs of the sectors for each different section of the race-track. The majority of them have worked voluntarily for the Grand-Raid since the birth of the race. They regulate the logistics, the security, the organisation and technical aspects of the different sectors. It is also them who form the liaison with the 1’200 volunteers who are positioned along the course/track. |
INTERVIEW
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Jean-Pierre Fournier President of the Grand Raid and in the Committee Director A GREAT ENTHUSIAST Jean-Pierre Fournier spent many years as coach to the Swiss national ski team – 18 with the ladies’ team and 5 with the men’s team. Although a born skier, he has also become a great lover of mountain-biking (VTT) through his various professional activities – the introduction of VTT in Switzerland with the ski team during 1975, Peugeot bikes….. From 1995 to 2003 he took charge of the ESS in Nendaz. He retrained as an estate-agent and, together with his wife, he became the proprietor of “Interagence” in Nendaz. Jean-Pierre Fournier is also the president of the Tourist Information Office in Nendaz. |
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Michel Seppey Committee Director A BEVOTED BOSS Michel Seppey works as head of the Grand Raid since its creation. Committee member from the first edition, he looks after all the details to receive in the best conditions possible all the competitors, all the volunteers and all the spectators. The Grand Raid and Michel Seppey, it is a beautiful love story. Michel Seppey spends a lot of time for the smooth running of this event. This head of family leaves nothing at random. He fulfills his responsibilities and his decisions. He assures especially the proper functioning and the continuity of one of the most beautiful mountain bike races in our continent.
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Presenting the chiefs of the sectors
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Sion Surname : Rudaz Name : Stéphane Age : 49 years old
Sector Manager of Sion since 2007
What motivates you in your role? I appreciate the contact with the riders and other partners. I can also indulge my passion through the largest mountain bike race in the country. How many volunteers work in your area? Approximately 120 from different sectors like Raidy, registration, technical inspection, the set-up, catering, parking, cleaning, office work, etc. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? Alex Moos's victory at the 2009 edition. I knew him very closely over the past ten years and thus he represents for me more than a rider in the Grand Raid. Heis above all a friend. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? I have several, but I give two: 1. Each rider should get to run with sufficient training regardless of the chosen route. 2. To accept decisions of the organisers when they are imposing changes (route - distance) and do not immediately criticise a work that is often done on a voluntary basis.
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Verbier
Surname : Stettler Name : Yves Age : 30 years old
Sector Manager of Verbier since the 2005 edition
What motivates you in your role? The challenge to let go 1'000 mountains bikers at the right time, in good mood and with the best possibles conditions. How many volunteers work in your area? Almost thirty. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? The dawn on our beautiful mountains just before the departure and the buzz during the 30 minutes just before the gunshot. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? Try, despite the length of the effort, to take off the eyes from the handlebars and to enjoy crossing our beautiful valleys. See how the people from Valais are proud to welcome you throughout the race!
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La Tzoumaz
Surname : Maye Name : Michel Age : 56 years old
Sector Manager of Tzoumaz since 2004
What motivates you in your role? The passion for cycling and the beautiful scenery and walking trails the Valais has to offer, particularly in the region La Tzoumaz-Verbier-Grand St-Bernard. I especially appreciate the many route recognition I make every year in the wilderness, the stress of preparation and the enjoyment of the « Grand Tour ». How many volunteers work in your area? Almost fifty. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? The party for the 20th edition which has gathered all the volunteers from all sectors. It was a wonderful time of sharing, exchange and friendship with the entire family of the Grand Raid. This party will remain a great memory. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? First of all the sport should remain a pleasure. Crossing the finish line in one piece worth all the victories.
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Nendaz
Surname: Devènes Name: Antoine Age : 55 years old
Sector Manager of Nendaz since the 2nd edition, the first being hired as volunteer.
What motivates you in your role? I am employed at Nendaz Tourism. Organisations (events, cultural and sporting events, various animations...) of which Nendaz Tourism is partner of enters in my work specification. How many volunteers work in your area? With the extension of the route on Nendaz, I expect this year on the commitment of 85 volunteers. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? Rather an anecdote: a Belgian competitor at the start of Verbier, passing by the sector of Nendaz, asked us whether the arrival was in the station. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? To be well informed on the route (distance, difference in height, altitude ...) and to choose it according to his capabilities. I think that a lot of riders do not realise the difficulty of the race when they have to make their choice.
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Veysonnaz
Surname: Fournier Name: Dany Age : 50 years old
Sector Manager of Veysonnaz since 15 years
What motivates you in your role? That a competition like that could bring together a large number of municipalities or of stations is very encouraging to sell the Valais. There's not just the Matterhorn in our canton. How many volunteers work in your area? Between 40 and 50 volunteers. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? As head of the entrance area at the beginning of the GR, it was the number of participants who came from Verbier and that were asking me if Grimentz was there soon. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? Of course, a lot of kilometres and difference in height in the legs!
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Surname : Bader Name : Christian Age : 58 years old
Sector Manager of Veysonnaz since 2000
What motivates you in your role? The ambiance of the race and volunteers. How many volunteers work in your area? Around 55. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? When my son finished in the top 20 in the 1998 edition. Otherwise, each year I have fond memories shared with volunteers. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? To respect the environment and have a maximum of fair play with overtaken riders.
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Les Collons
Name: Theytaz Surname: Francois Age: 44 years
Responsible for the section of Les Collons since 1990
What motivates you in your position? I appreciate the atmosphere of the race day, the meeting of the regions and also the ambiance between the volunteers and the competitors. How many volunteers collaborate in your section? 45 people What are/is the best memory/memories you have from past editions of the Grand Raid? Each has had its own flavour. In particular, I remember the fall of Philippe Perakis along Les Collons. He broke the frame of his bike on the passage through the forest. He had to give up. He was provisionally in first place. If you were to give advice to the competitors, what would it be? Don’t throw rubbish on the ground.
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Hérémence
Surname : Barnédes Name : Henry Age : 54 years old
Sector Manager of Hérémence since 2004, comitee member since ever
What motivates you in your role? The ambiance caused - thanks to the motivation and the solidarity of the volunteers. How many volunteers work in your area? 176 people. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? Each edition brings its batch of souvenirs. Example : during a previous edition, a volunteers of Mandelon gave his shoes to a riders for him to pursue his race. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? Fair-play, please, vis-à-vis the other riders. To keep a spare energy for the end of the race. To spend a great race and to enjoy the scenery of our beautiful valley as much as possible. |
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Evolène
Surname : Métrailler Name : Michel Age : 44 years old
Sector Manager of Evolène since 1990
What motivates you in your role? The satisfaction of assisting in the organisation of such a beautiful race. How many volunteers work in your area? 130 volunteers. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? The day after the race, the relief of finding the racers lost on the sector of Evolène, savouring a « raclette » in a local bistro. If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? Remember to look up to admire our beautiful region
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Grimentz
Surname : Solioz Name : Raphaël Age : 33 years old
Sector Manager of Grimentz since 4 years
What motivates you in your role? The organisation of a good local race. How many volunteers work in your area? Almost 300. What are the best memories you keep from the previous editions of the Grand Raid? I enjoyed the great evening last year, where organisers and riders were sharing the « verre de l'amitié ». If you should give advice to riders, what would it be? A good training to enjoy the race and not suffer. |
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