Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) has taken over the lead at the Tour of Turkey after winning the 204-kilometre fourth stage to the summit finish at Selcuk.
The Italian finished 5″ ahead of Jesper Hansen (Astana Pro Team) with Daniel Felipe Martinez (Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia) a further 4″ down. Ulissi now leads overall with Hansen in second at 12″. Previous race leader Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe) dropped out of contention but still hung onto the lead in the points competition.
After the break of the day consisting of Davide Ballerini (Androni Giocattoli), Ferit Can Samli (Turkey) and Ludovic Robeet (WB Veranclassic Aquality Protect) were brought back, UAE Team Emirates came to the front as the peloton approached the final climb.
Ulissi’s team mates were instrumental in his win with Vegard Stake Laengen and Przemyslaw Niemiec setting a strong pace on the final climb.
Andrea Vendrame (Androni Giocattoli) and Leopold Konig (Bora-hansgrohe) tried to go clear on the final climb but were reeled in by UAE Team Emirates. Martinez then attacked inside the final kilometre reducing the lead group to just five riders and within sight of the finish line, Ulissi jumped clear to take the win.
“The climb was suited to my skills, this is why the team worked so hard to control the stage and carry me to the last climb in the best possible circumstances,” explained Ulissi.
“The rhythm on the climb was very fast and this led to a strong selection. I was feeling good and I managed to seal the deal on the work that my team mates had done. Tomorrow I will wear the classification leader’s jersey; it would be great and gratifying to be able to wear it until the end of the race.”
