Tour of Turkey is Paul Double’s first GC final podium as a Pro

The rain and the resulting road conditions in Istanbul led the Tour of Turkey to neutralise the last stage and make the riders pedal behind the organization’s car. Therefore Paul Double’s 3rd place in the final standings is officially confirmed, achieved in the queen stage the day before yesterday in Manisa, at the end of a week that also saw Team Polti Kometa’s victory with Giovanni Lonardi in the 3rd stage sprint in Marmaris and Manuel Peñalver’s podium yesterday in the sprint in Izmir.

It’s the reward for a great performance from all seven Polti Kometa men, which also allowed them to keep the green points’ jersey with Lonardi for five out of eight days.

“I think the decision made by the organization today was the right one,” says Double, “as it would have been foolish to race with such slippery roads and risk ruining a beautiful week. We enjoyed a wonderful city and an equally wonderful audience, safely finishing a race that represents a great moment for me: it’s my first GC podium as a professional!”

Sports director Giovanni Ellena can only be satisfied: “It’s been a positive race for us, which especially highlights excellent teamwork. A good start to the week leading up to the Giro d’Italia.”