Tour of Turkey: a good fourth place for Zurlo

Federico Zurlo ranked fourth in the close sprint that decided the first stage of the Tour of Turkey, which covered 177 km from Alanya to Kemer. Victory went to Irishman Sam Bennet (Bora Hansgrohe), who prevailed against Marco Benfatto (Androni-Sidermec) and Edward Theuns (Trek-Segafredo).

“We were supposed to set up the sprint for Kump,” says Federico Zurlo, “But with less than 2 km to go he got caught up in a crash. At that point I was in the lead positions and trying everything to bring home the best possible result. So I hustled for the sprint and finished fourth. The funny thing is that I didn’t feel like I was having a super day, and yet I was going strong. It was probably the effects of a long trip. Tomorrow, even though there are two mountain primes I think there will be another sprinting arrival. We’re ready.”

Tomorrow the second fraction will cover 206 km from Kumuluca to Fethiye.

Results 

1 Sam Bennet (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe 3:57:26

2 Marco Benfatto (Ita) Androni-Sidermec s.t.

3 Edward Theuns (Bel) Trek-Segafredo s.t.

4 Federico Zurlo (Ita) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

7 Simone Consonni (Ita) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

General Classification after stage 1

1 Sam Bennet (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe 3:57:26

2 Marco Benfatto (Ita) Androni-Sidermec +4”

3 Edward Theuns (Bel) Trek-Segafredo +6”

6 Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Team Emirates +8”