Caja Rural - Seguros RGA take on Tour of Turkey with high ambitions after last year’s successful race where Pello Bilbao (photo) and Lluis Mas gave the team two stage wins. This year, both riders are back to fight for glory again. So is Carlos Barbero who has shown great shape this month and who looks to take his first win of the season. The following eight riders will represent the team in Tour of Turkey: Pello Bilbao, Lluis Mas, Carlos Barbero, David Arroyo, Jaime Rosón, Ricardo Vilela, José Gonçalves and Domingos Gonçalves.
 
Bilbao arrives at the race full of confidence after his recent performances. Earlier this month, he finished 10th in the steep time trial in Vuelta al País Vasco, which placed him 17th overall, and last week, the versatile Basque rider took second place overall in Vuelta a Castilla y León.

“I think we have a very strong and competent team for Tour of Turkey," he said. "This is a race we know well and really like. Last year, we had an excellent race and that motivates us a lot. In Vuelta a Castilla y León, we demonstrated that we are very strong. We have Barbero for the sprints and a great team for the general classification. Personally, this is one of my favorite races on the calendar. I’m going to do my best, knowing that my shape is very good right now”.
 
Tour of Turkey takes place from the 24th of April to the 1st of May. From the start in Istanbul, eight stages await the riders before the overall winner will be crowned in Selçuk on the final day of racing. Caja Rural - Seguros RGA have good memories from both the start and the finish town of the race. Last year, Mas won his stage in Istanbul, while Bilbao crossed the line first in Selçuk.