Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Mark Cavendish won the bunch sprint finish of 141km Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey Stage 1 on Sunday.

OPQS had three riders in front of the Manx Missile inside of 2km to go. Belkin Pro Cycling Team and Lotto-Belisol were also battling for the best position in anticipation of the group arrival. Cavendish launched off the wheel of an opposing rider in the final meters and was able to take the victory by more than a bike length.

OPQS did a fantastic job chasing down the original breakaway, which was caught with about 36km to go before the intermediate sprint. Another rider attempted to go solo, but that was also brought back within a few kilometers.

This is the 25th victory, in three disciplines, for OPQS in 2014.

"I was a bit surprised by my speed," Cavendish said. "I had to go a little bit early. There was a slight headwind. I think I went at 250 meters because I was about six wheels back. When I initially kicked I was surprised how nice I felt. So, I just kept it going and when I was ahead, I didn't know by how much, I thought someone might be closing from behind, but I won.

"I'm super happy. The team rode well today. It wasn't perfect, but we were drilling it. I'm proud of the guys and that I could come here to Tour of Turkey and win the first stage. Especially after coming back after getting sick.

"There were no negative feelings about this race. I was in good condition before I got sick so it's not like I was in bad condition after my illness, it just went down a little bit. It's the first race after five weeks so you never really know.

"I didn't think I'd be dropped or struggling or anything, but I didn't know if I had it in me to win. But I was training my sprint at home and it was there today. My team did a brilliant job to keep me up there and keep me out of trouble. I'm glad I could win it for them.

"I’m really excited to come here for the first time in the Tour of Turkey and win  it . I wasn’t sure of my condition, I didn’t know whether I’d be OK or bad after more than one month off. It’s a great feeling. My team did an incredible job to keep me out of the wind and put me in good position.

"We have young guys in this team who went flat out and gave it a 100% and perhaps did too much a little too early but it’s part of the learning process. But I was in the top 6 in the finale, which is a good position to be in this kind of sprint. I managed to take a wheel and there was a little bit of headwind so I kicked out.

"I didn’t know what to expect, even if I did some sprints in training at home. Altogether I’m very happy with the way the team worked today.

"We [Cavendish and Renshaw] spent many years together, we had a lot of success. It’s nice to be working with him again.

"It’s too early to get carried away. I don’t want to take it for granted that I won. But I’m really happy. I knew I was not in bad form but I didn’t necessarily expect to win at the end of April.

"My team’s been very good this year. And they stayed flexible, ready to take it step by step and really take a short-term approach on my race programme. There was no better way to hail up than by winning. I hope it will carry on through May and June.

"I would love to win a bit more to pay him [manager Patrick Lefevere] back for his confidence. We’ve had very good results this year be it in stage races or in the cobbled classics. And this really only makes one more.

"Everyone is very supportive, it’s nice to feel. You’re human, you realise how important it is to have this faith. It really inspired me to win again. I hope it continues.