Tour of Antalya: Raim wins first stage

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Estonian cyclist Mihkel Raim from Israel Start-Up Nation won the first stage of Tour of Antalya on Thursday.

Raim finished the 149-kilometer (93-mile) first stage between the ancient cities of Perge and Termessos in 03.22.45.

Marko Kump from Adria Mobil was second while Kenneth Van Rooy from Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise finished third.

The second stage will take place Friday between Kemer and Antalya.

The race in the Turkish Mediterranean previously gained a 2.1 class designation from the calendar of the governing body of cycling -- Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

At least 80 teams from the globe applied to compete but 29 were selected.

The third edition of the Tour of Antalya began with 174 athletes from 23 countries.

Athletes will compete on a 455-kilometer (283-mile) track in four stages and a "Stop violence against women" race will be featured on the last day to raise awareness about the issue.