Local favorites steal the show at 2012 Grand Raid in Switzerland

The world's longest mountain bike race has taken place in the fabulous surroundings of the Swiss Alps. The Swiss Mountain Bike Race Marathon attracted around 3,000 participants - both the sport's elite and amateurs from all over the world.

The race consisted of four different routes, so everyone could choose the one to their liking or abilities. The longest route ran between the villages of Verbier and Grimentz and the 125-km course also included a 5,000-metre climb.The participants, representing 20 countries, had the chance to enjoy the splendour of the surrounding landscape while struggling to reach the finish. To the delight of the Swiss crowd the main race was a triumph for local riders. Victor Alexandre Moos was followed by countrymen Urs Huber and Konny Looser.“It took a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice. I was lucky during the first descent.  The climb went off super, too. I was in a great mood, and the fans were fantastic. Then there was the last descent, and here I was at the finish,” said Moos.Russia also had a representative in the endurance event. Andrey Malashenko finished 234th still coming home ahead of thousands of other competitors.