News – Cavendish off to Turkey

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Boonen & Cavendish lead Etixx – Quick-Step in Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, a one-week stage race from April 26th until the 3rd of May

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News – Cavendish off to Turkey

The opening 144.8km stage will be one for the sprinters, with a two-lap finishing circuit of 16.9 kilometers. The finishing circuit features big roads and not much in terms of technical sections.

There is, however, a Category 3 climb 54.8km into the race, which might take a little out of the legs of the peloton. Stage 2, 182.3km in distance, is another opportunity for a group finale, with not much in terms of climbs or wind. Despite the relatively simple opening stages meant for the sprints, Stage 3 is an immediate chance for the GC, and it may be the decisive stage of the entire race.

The 165.3km stage includes several high category climbs, including the crucial Category 1 summit finale in Elmali. The climb is 11.5km in total distance with an average gradient between 6 and 7 percent, with the steepest sections in the later part of the climb. Stage 4, only 132km in distance, is an up-and-down affair. There are several short, but steep climbs. The finish is also technical, with three turns between 1.5km to go and 500m before the finish line. Stage 5,with 159.9km to cover from start to finish, crests the top of the toughest climb (Category 2) of the day at the 74.9km mark.

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However, the finish is a short but punchy uphill. Stage 6 is another crucial day for the overall contenders. The 184km stage features the Category 1 finish in Selcuk, which is at an 8% average gradient inside about the final 5 kilometers of racing. The 7th Stage includes a Category 2 and Category 1 climb at the 52.8km mark, as well as the 28.8km to go point. Due to the steepness of these two climbs this day could be a bit of a mixed bag, with a possibility of a breakaway staying away until the finish, or even a stage for a few sprinters if they are able to make it over the last of the two categorized climbs.

The 8th and final Stage, 121km in distance, is a short circuit stage that the sprinters will likely aim to win. The technical nature of the final kilometers will make the leadout trains difficult to organize. With 1.6km remaining there is a 180-degree turn, followed by three turns before they even get to the final kilometer. Inside the final kilometer there are two more turns before the final 600 meters.

Etixx – Quick-Step goes to Tour of Turkey with Iljo Keisse, known for his exciting stage win in the 2012 edition. Mark Cavendish, who won four stages in the 2014 edition as well as the points jersey, will also be present. Tom Boonen, returning from injury after crashing at Paris-Nice, will be racing for the first time at Tour of Turkey. Fabio Sabatini, Mark Renshaw, Nikolas Maes, and Guillaume Van Keirsbulck round out the strong selection for this race.
Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey (TUR) 2.HC
Tom Boonen (BEL)
Mark Cavendish (GBR)
Iljo Keisse (BEL)
Nikolas Maes (BEL)
Mark Renshaw (AUS)
Fabio Sabatini (ITA)
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (BEL)

Website www.tourofturkey.org
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