Cycling: José Manuel Díaz has won the king's stage of the Tour of Turkey. The Spaniard prevailed against his opponents at the top of the mountain and thus also takes the lead in the overall standings.
Diaz wins ahead of Vine and Sepulveda
On the fifth stage of the Tour of Turkey, for the first time there should not be a decision in a mass sprint. After 160,3 kilometers from Kemer to Elmalı (Göğübeli), the section ended with a steep and irrhythmic mountain finish. It wasn't until the last few meters that it became clear who would win the stage and probably also the tour. Anthony Charming (Uno-X) was already looking like a sure winner when he collapsed with 300 meters to go. José Manuel Díaz (Delko) then sat down confidently in the uphill sprint Jay Vine (Alpecin – Fenix) and Eduardo Sepulveda (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec) through. The Spaniard now also leads the overall standings ahead of the Australian and the Argentine.
Suter with a strong performance
7 breakaways, including the Swiss Joel Sutter (Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB) and the Austrian Matthias Brandle (Israel Start-Up Nation) reached the beginning of the final climb ahead of the peloton. However, the lead was not big enough to be able to have a say about the day's victory. Also a strong attack in the middle of the mountain through Ibai Azurmendi (Euskaltel – Euskadi) was neutralized by the Astana team. With around 3 kilometers to go, the Kazakh team caught up with the Swiss Joel Suter, the last escapee.
"Oh my goodness - that was torture!" 🥵
Jose Manuel Diaz climbs to victory in a thrilling finish to Stage Five at the Tour of Turkey 🇹🇷#TUR2021 pic.twitter.com/ptslSLdUqO
- Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) April 15, 2021