Team Novo Nordisk survives uphill finish in Turkey

The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey continued on Friday after the cancellation of Thursday’s stage. The start of yesterday’s race was originally neutralized before the organizers called it off altogether due to bad weather. 

The race resumed today with Selçuk playing host to the start and finish 156km later. With opportunities running out, it took a breakaway over an hour to go. Five riders escaped and were never given more than a 2-minute advantage. 

“We had crosswinds at one point and the group split,” Andrea Peron said. “I was in the front group but I knew this uphill finish did not suit me so I was just trying to stay safe and get to the finish as efficiently as possible. Filippo crashed today but managed to finish so we will see the last two days how we can finish the race on the high that we started it. The team is motivated to finish strong.”

The Italian was the first Team Novo Nordisk rider home in 42nd position. More climbing can be expected in tomorrow’s penultimate stage from Selçuk to Çeşme with the highest point just under 30 kilometers from the finish.