SWISS mountain biker Urs Huber has added his name to the exclusive international list of cyclists who have won the Crocodile Trophy, after enduring a nine-day battle with Dutch legend Bart Brentjens.

The 24-year-old rode with such power on yesterday's final mountain stage that Brentjens was unable to launch an attack to reel in his 1min26sec lead.

Pictures: Crocodile Trophy 2009

Instead, it was Huber who did the attacking as the race headed off-road on to the CREB Track, a perilous ascent into the rainforest.

"When I can say I win the Crocodile Trophy it's a great thing," Huber said.

Huber launched his first attack at the base of the track where the gradient is close to 20 per cent.

Behind him, Brentjens appeared visibly in pain, but the former Olympic and World Champion refused to give in and continually clawed his way back.

"After the second depot I made the pace and Bart cannot come with me," Huber said.

"So I saw that and I thought that I should roll without risk to the finish."

That was easier said than done as the race ventured on to the zig-zag track.

It was there that Brentjens had planned to attack, near the river crossing at Roaring Meg.

Huber and Brentjens had already reeled in an early breakaway containing Slovenian Jure Robic and Belgian Mike Mulkens.

When the riders reached the river, Huber crossed first, the smile on his face obvious as he realised the Crocodile Trophy was his for the taking.

"I was dropped a few times and I came back and I had to follow him," Brentjens said.

"He (Huber) really put the hammer down and all I could do was follow his wheel, actually there was no chance for me to make an attack."

Brentjens won the sprint to the finish at Ayton - his sixth stage victory in the race.

Belgian Mike Mulkens hung on to finish third in the stage and third overall, while Robic had to settle for fourth on both counts.

Dutchwoman Monique Zeldenrust became the women's winner after making easy work of yesterday's stage.

With the general classification decided competitors will ride together in today's final stage, which finishes at Cape Tribulation.

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