Lonardi, fourth in the opening stage of the Tour of Turkey

A good start to the Tour of Turkey for Polti Kometa. The team faced with determination the opportunity of a mass finish in the first stage in Antalya. The support to Lonardi and the protection in the peloton allowed him to compete in optimal conditions for the sprint in which he was fourth, close to the podium and with great sensations for the remaining seven stages.

A breakaway of 7 riders made its way with the approval of the peloton, but they only got a small gap that never exceeded 2 minutes. This control, with the big teams of sprinters who did not want to miss the opportunity, neutralised the breakaway in the final kilometres. Then, the fight for position was a real battle, with multiple crashes but without affecting the Polti Kometa boys.

In the sprint, well placed and trying to look for his option, Lonardi settled for fourth place, in the victory of Jakobsen (dsm) and on the verge of the podium of the day. A result that encourages to continue the work to improve that position in the next sprint finishes.

Giovanni Lonardi: “It was an easy stage, where everything was decided in the final part. I think I started early the sprint, too early. But we achieved a good result and I’m sure we’ll be able to fight for the victory in the next opportunities”.

Giovanni Ellena, sport director: “A good fourth place to start this Tour of Turkey. The team worked well, relying on Lonardi, who was very well supported at the end, and also Paul Double finished with no trouble, which keeps our chances in the race intact. We will try to improve our result in the next stages”.

Tomorrow will be the second day of the Tour of Turkey, with 190 kilometres between Kemer and Kalkan, which includes a second category climb in the last 45 kilometres and may select the sprint finish.