Ireland's Callaghan, Russia's Chernykh win Red Bull Dawn till Dusk bike tour

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Ireland's Greg Callaghan with 312 points in men, and Russian biker Ksenia Chernykh with 227 points in women, won the Red Bull Dawn till Dusk bike tour held in central Turkey on Saturday.

As many as 106 cyclists pedaled in the route consisting of four stages in various valleys of Cappadocia, the region famous for hot-air balloon rides and fairy chimneys.

The race started with the sunrise, and ended on sunset. Three disciplines of mountain biking: cross-country, downhill and enduro, were all included in the race.

The award ceremony was held in front of Uchisar Castle, a centuries-old citadel that provides a magnificent panorama view of the surrounding area.

"We competed in magnificent nature and atmosphere. I wasn't expecting to win and was just enjoying it here, but of course it's nice to win," said Callaghan, adding that he is looking forward to race in Cappadocia again.

Chermykh, the winner in women's competition, expressed her excitement by saying: "Sometimes I couldn't focus completely as I looked at the scenery around me. Thank you everyone for everything, it was really a dream day for me."