Stage 6 of the Tour of Turkey was one of the decisive stages for the overall. Kristian Durasek (Lampre-Merida) took over the race lead after 184 km from Denizli to Selçuk. The stage was one by Pello Bilbao (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA). MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung’s Belgian climber Serge Pauwels made good work of his Cervélo S5 on the days final climb and finished in 13th place. In the overall he sits now 6th.
The race was animated by an early break of four. Malcolm Rudolph (Drapac), Rik Jans (Wanty-Group Goubert), Jarl Salomein (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise) and Ahmet Akdilek (Torku) were able to establish a lead of over 4 minutes, before the peloton started chasing.
Overnight race leader Davide Rebellin (CCC-Sprandi) put his team to work with MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung staying close at the front of the race. With the steep climb towards Selçuk it was never a question, that the break would be reeled in. The overall was in within reach for a few riders and it didn’t take long until the attacking started. In the end it was Bilbao who got the better of Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana), after going clear on the last two kilometers. Heiner Parra (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) came in for third.
Behind the trio the race was split in several groups with Serge keeping close on the wheels of the favorites. He fought hard to stay in the group and eventually came home just 34 seconds down on the stage winner, thus managing to stay within the top10 of the Tour of Turkey.
Songezo Jim is another rider who managed to get through the day without damage. He still sits second in the KOM classification, just five points down on the leader, Pablo Valencia (Colombia).
Serge Pauwels – Rider
Jean-Pierre Heynderickx – Sports Director
