Platt beats Dietsch, Zahnd at Grand Raid

Team Bulls went one-two with Karl Platt and Thomas Dietsch at the Grand Raid marathon this weekend. The race took place in the canton of Valais over 237km and six mountains including the 2787m Pas de Lona.  Thomas Zahnd was third.

"The Grand Raid race is extreme in every respect. We start in the dark by six o'clock in the morning. The distance, climbing, hiking sections make it difficult. I won here in 2007," said runner-up Dietsch of the notoriously difficult race.

After the start, eight riders emerged as part of the front group. On the penultimate descent, Platt attacked. He was followed by Dietsch at about one minute and Zahnd at 2:06..

Platt reached the Pas de Lona alone and with a 1:30 lead. He descended to a comfortable solo victory at the finish in Grimentz with a time of 7:05:15 while teammate Dietsch struggled a bit behind him against Stoll.

"This is incredible, I do not know what to say. I have always wanted to race here, but the race has never fit in my calendar," said Platt. "This year it worked out. I am very happy about this victory in probably the most legendary marathon in the world."

"From the beginning, it was fast. I wanted to ride my rhythm, and take my pace from nobody."

Fabienne Heinzmann won the women's race ahead of Andrea Kuster and Mercedes Pacios Pujalo.

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