IVANOVO, July 25. /ITAR-TASS/. An American cyclist was killed by a suspected drunk driver in a hit-and-run accident in Russia's central Ivanovo Region, local police said on Friday.

The driver tried to escape police but was detained. A criminal case was opened into the 60-year old cyclist's death.

Ron McGerity has visited 61 countries in 15 years travelling by a Swiss bicycle of a unique design that allowed him to carry bags and ride in a reclined position.

On the day of his death, July 24, McGarrity visited the city of Kostroma and announced his plans to travel around the Russian Golden Ring (Ivanovo, Vladimir, Suzdal and other ancient cities northeast of Moscow).

McGerity named himself a messenger of peace and gave so-called 'letters of peace' to mayors of the cities he had visited.