Consonni sprints to 5th in the Tour of Turkey opener

The first stage of the Tour of Turkey, 165 km from Istanbul to Tekirdag, ended in a group sprint.

The young UAE Team Emirates sprinter Simone Consonni took fifth place behind winner Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quick Step) in second.

“It was a chaotic sprint,” Consonni explained. “Unfortunately I was not able to start in the best position, but I did a good sprint anyway. The result gives me confidence in anticipation of the next stages. I want to thank the team for the support they gave me and I hope to be able to repay them as soon as possible with a good win. “

Yousif Mirza hit the deck at 45km from the finish, unfortunately. The Emirates cyclist was forced to abandon the race due to a suspected collarbone fracture.

Tomorrow, the riders cover the second stage from Tekirdag to Aceabat, 180 kilometres. The stage suits those who are fast and resistant given that in the last 3km starts to climb slightly to the finish line.

Stage 1 results:
1 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe 3h32’34”
2 Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) Deceuninck-QuickStep s.t.
3 Caleb Ewan (Aus) Lotto Soudal s.t.
5 Simone Consonni  (Ita) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

General classification after stage 1:
1 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe 3h32’34”
2 Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4″
3 Caleb Ewan (Aus) Lotto Soudal 6″
8 Simone Consonni  (Ita) UAE Team Emirates 10″