Jasper Philipsen said he wants to end his season in style at this week’s Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey after winning stage one at a canter in Antalya.
On the fast and chaotic opening stage, Philipsen was able to call upon a full lead out from his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates as the peloton tore onto the long straight road along the beachfront.
The Belgian rider is one of the headline names at the race and managed to hold off Astana Qazaqstan's Gleb Syritsa who took second.
Philipsen’s fellow countryman Timothy Dupont of Tartelleto-Isorex finished third.
“The team did a really good job," he said. "It was really hectic because it was an easier, short day but I think the team had a really good experience out there with Ramon [Sinkeldam] guiding Simon [Dehairs] through at the front.
"I think we were able to stay calm, find the right moment and do a good group lead out for me, so I'm happy to finish it off.”
He also wore the green jersey in Paris after winning the race's points classification.
“It's been a great year, a really great year,” Philipsen added as he reflected on his season. "I want to try to end it in a good way. So seven days to go now, it was definitely one of the easier days today.
"The next few days will be hard, I think, but I hope to win again another time later in the race this week.”
His team announced last week that the Manxman will ride on in 2024 and attempt to win a record breaking 35th stage at the Tour de France. Cavendish is currently the joint record holder for the most stage wins with Eddy Merckx.
The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey continues on Monday with a hilly 166 kilometre test from Kemer to Kalkan.
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