With two stages to go in the Tour of Turkey, Mirko Selvaggi moved up to seventh place in the overall classification. The Italian leader of Team Wanty-Groupe Gobert finished 11th in the sixth stage with an uphill finish at Selcuk. 

“The team did fantastic work for me today," Selvaggi beamed after the finish. "In the final I could count on strong riders to support me. In the last kilometres I was completely 'à bloc'. I did want to try something in the final but it was better to stay in the wheels." 

The final climb to Selcuk was an attractive one after a relatively uneventful stage prior characterized by strong headwinds. Four leaders, including Roy Jans for Wanty-Groupe Gobert, battled at the front discouraging any other riders to attack the field until the final. 

“I really wanted to be up front today," Jans declared. "I tried often to be in the breakaway because I wanted to work on my form. Of course I am tired now because it was not the ideal day to be in the break with the strong headwinds"

“With Roy at the front, the other five riders, James Vanlandschoot, Frederik Veuchelen, Tom Devriendt, Jan Ghyselinck and Lander Seynaeve rode perfectly for Mirko. We wanted to play his card today to allow him to move up in the overall and we succeeded in our mission," sports director Steven De Neef said.

Before the Tour of Turkey ends on Sunday with a criterium in the streets of Istanbul, the peloton faces one difficult stage. With a first category climb only 28 kilometres from the line the overall classification is not determined yet. 

“I hope that the peloton is down to 20-30 riders after that climb. I do hope to get a good result on the line in this stage," Selvaggi reflects.

Normally, Selvaggi's position in the overall will not be in danger in the penultimate, 165 kilometre long stage to Izmir. 

“Saturday's stage shouldn't be a problem if you see how Mirko rides in the third stage and today. But you always have to stay alert and focused so you won't be in for a surprise. I am confident because the team did great work today," De Neef concludes.