There's a new trucker at the top of the tree in Russia as Eduard Nikolaev beat Kamaz team-mate and outright favourite Vladimir Chagin to win the 2010 Silk Way Rally – the country's most prestigious motorsport event, Russia Today reports.
There was no smooth tarmac in this tournament or even fencing to keep the spectators out. Yet neither cows nor rocky roads could stop Nikolaev topping off a superb eighth stage to win his first major cross-country rally. The 26-year-old took victory with a massive 22 minute margin over Chagin.
As a result, there was remarkable sight on the podium with Russian KAMAZ drivers taking gold, silver and bronze, with Firdaus Kabirov securing third place.
Car competitors also ended their eight-day journey down Sochi way on Sunday. No surprises were to be had, with reigning champion Carlos Sainz having taken the lead earlier in the week. The Spaniard didn't waste his 11 minute advantage heading into Saturday, producing another solid effort to win with eight minutes to spare.
The man who pushed him hard over the past few days, Nasser Al-Attiyah, secured second overall, with Mark Miller third – making it a 1-2-3 for Volkswagen.
