Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won his first victory with professionals on Monday. On an arrival carved for sprinters-pucker, the 22-year-old Dutchman has outlined Giovanni Lonardi (Team Polti-VisitMalta) et Lander Loockx (Unibet-astiema Rockets). Brilliant this winter in cyclo-cross, the Batavian confirms its potential on this Tour of Türkiye. He also takes the lead in the general classification.
Video – Del Grosso, the strongest on the 2nd stage
“More cyclo-cross or road? The two …”
“Simon Dehairs did not feel very good today and the team believed a lot in my chances. I am grateful and proud at the same time. It was great to be able to finish the work in this very punchy arrival, very suitable for a cyclocrossman, the last kilometer being up. It was a beautiful final. Everyone was waiting to see who would be the first to launch the sprint, many runners Locked long, it was not just 75 meters from the finish that I knew that I had to go there, otherwise it would be too late “explained Del Grosso.
“This is the first time that I have been the leader of a professional race, but on Wednesday, someone else will look for the turquoise jersey that I am currently wearing, however we will try to defend it tomorrow. The 9 km of final ascent of the fourth stage will be too difficult for me”he adds.
“The impression of having progressed …”
“I did not know much about Turkey before, the Baklavas who are very good! This is the first time that I have been coming here. My team told me that this race was a good opportunity for me to win my first professional victory. There is a good level here and it was good for me to come and strengthen my confidence as a road runner. Road in the space of six months.he concluded.
