Belgian rider Jasper Philipsen wins Tour of Türkiye 3rd stage
Team Alpecin-Fenix’s Belgian rider Jasper Philipsen won the 3rd stage of the 57th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye on Tuesday.
Philipsen came first in the 123-kilometer (76 miles) stage between the town of Çesme and the Karşıyaka district in southwestern Turkey’s Izmir.
After coming second in the two earlier stages, Philipsen finally clinched the coveted Turquoise jersey.
He completed Tuesday’s stage with a timing of 2 hours 35 minutes and 19 seconds.
Australian cyclist Kaden Groves, who clinched the 2nd stage crown Monday, finished second, followed by Spanish Miguel Angel Fernandez.
With the win, Philipsen also moved to the top of the tour’s overall standings.
The eight-stage Tour of Türkiye spans a total distance of 1,303 kilometers and will culminate in Istanbul on April 17.
The racers will change continents at three different points – from Asia to Europe on the sixth day, returning to Istanbul’s Asian side in the later stages, and then crossing back to the metropolis’ European part.
Six WorldTour teams are in the hunt for the title this year, up from three in the previous edition, along with 12 professional and seven continental teams.
The Turkish Cycling Federation has been organizing the tour, earlier known as the Marmara Tour, since 1963.
It gained international status in 1965 and was brought under presidential authority in 1966.
The race is being broadcast live on TRT Spor Yıldız. International broadcaster Eurosport is telecasting the event to millions of households across five continents.
Remaining five stages
Stage 4: Izmir (Konak)-Manisa (Spil): 147 kilometers
Stage 5: Manisa-Ayvalık: 192 kilometers
Stage 6: Edremit (Akçay)-Eceabat (57. Alay Şehitliği): 205 kilometers
Stage 7: Gelibolu-Tekirdağ: 135 kilometers
Stage 8: Istanbul-Istanbul: 136 kilometers
