Turkey will host the European Mountain Bike Championship between July 12 and 15, 2007, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Thursday.

Emin Muftuoglu, head of the Turkish Cycling Federation, was quoted by Anatolia as saying that the central province of Nevsehir and its town Urgup will be the venues of the competition.

Noting that it will be the first time for Turkey to host an international cycling championship, Muftuoglu said, "Our aim is to amaze participants with the cultural and natural beauties of our country".

Muftuoglu also noted that Turkey has the ability to host many other championships in the future if it succeeds in the 2007 European Mountain Bike Championship event.

"We have already declared our bid to host the 2010 World Championships," said Muftuoglu.

Source: Xinhua