The Stage
The opening stage of the Tour of Turkey, one of the last World Tour events on the calendar and some shiny PR for the country to boot. It has been moved from April to October, presumably to gain more prominence, and as such it’s also gained World Tour status with four World Tour teams. It’s also a likely sprint finish too.
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Relatively uncomplicated. Starting in Alanya, the route will huge the coast by the Mediterranean Sea, presumably for some nice shots for TV, pulling inland after 44km to head towards the day’s feeding point which is at the magically named Hocolar. There’s not all that much of note across the route, but there are three intermediate sprints as well; Serik (31 m, Km 91.2), Beauties of Turkey - Expo 2016 (Yes, really, that is the name of the sprint) (12 m, Km 110.5,) and Adalia Beach (3 m, Km 141.0).
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Oh and there’s an obligatory opening climb for the King of the Mountains as well – it tops out at 43km to go.
The Finish
Is slightly uphill, as the graphics will show, but noting to be overly concerned about for the sprinters. The approach is relatively simple too given that there’s a left-hander just after 2 kilometres to go that isn’t too severe. The finishing road is quite straight for a long time, heading right into the heart of Kemer.
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The Winner
Will be the best of the power sprinters, as with a straight flat finish - that doesn't have a sharp rise - there should be ample opportunity to launch one's run on what is a very wide road. Positioning may not be as much of a premium as for other sprints.
The Contenders
Edward Theuns hit a purple patch in late summer, heading out to the BinckBank Tour, taking one of the most difficult stages of the week and being present amongst many of the big guns; He started the Vuelta well with a pair of fourth places but then didn’t get many chances as he served for Alberto Contador. If he’s still fresh and we’ll he would be his team’s lead choice.
Trek also have Boy Van Poppel, who hasn’t been in the same sort of form, but who has now got the terrain that really ought to suit, and it wouldn’t surprise to see the two go against each-other.
Sam Bennett is having a fine end of season and was quickest to take the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro when he beat Phil Bauhaus, Andre Greipel and Marcel Kittel. The Irishman gets better with every passing season and will be eyeing multiple stage wins this season for Bora.
Riccardo Minali hasn’t backed up his opening fourth at the Tour de Polgone although he was seventh at the Brussels Cycling Classic a few starts back and should be competing here. Caja Ruraj’s Edu Prades was ninth at the Coppa Bernocchi and 5th at the Coppa Sabatini when attempting to defend his 2017 title and he will hope to get a high placing.
