Team effort as Cavendish keeps lead in Turkey
BRITAIN’S Mark Cavendish praised his Omega Pharma Quick Step team-mates for executing the “perfect” race, as his dominance at the Tour of Turkey continued with a second successive stage win.
Cavendish opened the Tour with a victory on Sunday in his first outing after five weeks sidelined by a stomach virus, then crossed the line first again yesterday to maintain his grip on the leader’s turquoise jersey from Italian duo Niccolo Bonifazio and Elia Viviani.
And the 29-year-old acknowledged his team had to take the credit for their role in his triumph.
“The guys rode incredibly,” said Cavendish. “They delivered me perfectly to the line.
“I’m happy we could get another stage here at the Tour of Turkey and I’m thankful I could finish the work of the guys again.”
The tour continues today with the third stage from Finike to Elmali, which features several climbs and is unlikely to favour Cavendish.
There will, however, be ample opportunity for the Manxman to sprint his way back to the front before Sunday’s finish in Istanbul.