With Team Novo Nordisk’s Javier Megias well placed in the general classification at the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, the team knew it must race aggressively on Stage 4 to improve his standings.

Wednesday’s Stage 4 of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey proved to be a dynamic one from start to finish. Six riders attacked early into the 132-kilometer stage and earned a maximum gap of 3:27. As the race went over the day’s only categorized climb, it splintered the peloton and slowed the break. By the time the race hit the intermediate sprint, the gap had greatly diminished and the break was soon caught. Team Novo Nordisk’s Charles Planet saw an opportunity and attacked. Five other riders grabbed his wheel and the new group quickly gained a gap of 2:35 before getting caught with 11.5 km remaining.

A counterattack followed and Megias quickly responded. This front group of about 50 riders was fighting for general classification standings as they raced towards Marmaris. With 500 meters remaining, Megias made a bold attack in an attempt to win the stage. The 31-year-old Spaniard was passed but finished the stage in 14th position and moved up one place in the general classification to 11th overall.

“I knew I had to try something different today, so I went all out in the sprint,” Megias said. “I’m frustrated it didn’t work, but at least I did something and was aggressive. I’m still feeling good and ready for the next few stages.”

Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) sprinted to the win in a diminished bunch sprint. Daniele Colli (Nippo-Vini Fantini) was second and Daniele Ratto (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) was third.

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes pro cycling team, continues racing at the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey on Thursday with Stage 5. The 160-km stage should be another one for the sprinters. Beginning in Mugla, the race features two categorized climbs and one intermediate sprint before a downhill finish into Pamukkale.