After a comparatively anonymous campaign in the spring Classics, Filippo Pozzato is demonstrating small but significant signs of improving form in the Presidential Tour of Turkey.

Yesterday the Lampre-Merida rider found himself in a select group that fought it out for the stage win at the end of the day’s demanding 164 km race from Gocek to Marmaris, with Pozzato going shoulder to shoulder with Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and others in the sprint for the line.

Eventually Pozzato came fourth, crossing the line behind Greipel, Nikias Arndt (Argos Shimano) and Moreno Hofland (Blanco Pro Cycling).

“I knew today stage could be suitable for my skills,” Pozzato said afterwards, speaking about what was his best result since coming second in the Roma Maxima race on March 3. “I had good legs that allowed me to be in the head of the race on Marmaris climb. Anyway, Greipel too was in a good condition and he proved too strong in the sprint. Without a skid in the last bend, maybe I could have obtained the second place,” Pozzato said, thus acknowledging Greipel’s superiority on the day.

Pozzato will continue to ride aggressively in the days ahead, knowing that other chances might present themselves. The route of this year’s race is more undulating than that of 2012, giving opportunities to more than just sprinters.